BATTLING Poole Town survived a spirited second-half fightback to move a step closer to promotion glory at Tatnam last night.

Dolphins looked set to progress at a canter after easing into a deserved 2-0 lead in the opening period.

With Hungerford offering little to worry the hosts, Poole put themselves firmly in control with goals from Carl Preston and Steve Devlin.

But they were given a major fright after the break and were forced to withstand long spells of pressure before claiming a place in Monday’s play-off final against Alex Pike’s Gosport Borough.

Luke Hopper’s close-range header reduced the deficit within two minutes of the restart and that saw the momentum swing in Hungerford’s favour.

While Poole, often through Preston, looked dangerous on the counter, it was the visitors who were in the ascendancy as the game entered the final stages.

Dolphins goalkeeper Nick Hutchings walked away with the man-of-the-match award as he emerged the hero with a crucial late punch and fine save helping Poole to prosper in front of a bumper home crowd.

Since Hungerford’s 1-0 win in Dorset on March 10, the two teams had experienced contrasting fortunes during the latter part of the Southern League Division One South & West regulation season.

While the Crusaders had managed just two wins in eight, Poole had raced to secure the runners-up berth by producing a scintillating nine-match unbeaten run, which included no fewer than eight victories.

The difference in form soon became clear as Dolphins made the early running.

There was little in the way of goalmouth action during a cagey start, with Poole captain Michael Walker registering the first effort on target when his header warmed the hands of Hungerford stopper Chay Morris.

But Dolphins did not have long to wait – with Walker key to the opener on 25 minutes.

After the powerful centre-half had caused problems following Dan Cann’s long throw, Preston displayed his sharpness to get in ahead of Morris and fire past a defender on the goal-line at the near post.

Boosted by that effort, Tom Killick’s men continued to press and were rewarded five minutes before the interval.

Again, Walker was at the heart of the action. His header from another Cann throw brought an excellent save from Morris but when the loose ball dropped to Scott Joyce, the forward’s effort yielded a penalty as defender Diak John was deemed to have handballed in his bid to block the drive. Referee Andrew Newell pointed to the spot amid furious Hungerford protests.

Dolphins were not complaining, though, and midfielder Devlin stepped up to thump the spot kick low to the left of Morris.

Many inside the ground could have been forgiven for thinking the job had been completed – but Hungerford clearly had other ideas.

Poole were stunned almost immediately after the break when an unmarked Hopper headed home following a swift break down the right.

Dolphins were fortunate not to concede again when Reece Fleet somehow managed to fire straight into the arms of a grateful Hutchings after a long ball had dropped into his path.

Devlin shot wide following a fine ball from Walker as Poole looked to put the verdict beyond doubt.

However, the Crusaders refused to throw in the towel.

The lively Hopper saw his flick gathered by Hutchings as the visitors’ push continued.

To Poole’s credit, Hungerford were largely restricted to shots from range, while Dolphins’ defenders dealt efficiently with the number of balls that arrived in their penalty area.

Hutchings produced a fine punch under pressure from a dangerous free-kick in the last minute.

But there was still time for more drama and a foul 25 yards out provided Hungerford with a final chance.

Substitute Ryan Crockford stepped up and curled a dipping effort towards the bottom corner, only for Hutchings to dive to his right to produce an excellent save as Poole booked a potentially thrilling clash with Gosport for a place in next season’s Premier Division.

Dolphins: (4-5-1) Hutchings 7.5*; Tallack 6.5, Spetch 7.5, Walker 7.5, Emmerson 6.5; Joyce 6.5 (Benssaouda, 85), Brooks 7 (Richardson, 72), Howes 6, Devlin 6, Preston 7; Cann 7 (Gill, 81). Unused subs: Smith, Baldacchino.