ANDY King believes his Swindon side and not Hartlepool United have the better half of the play-off draw.

Pool's point at the County Ground means Neale Cooper's team face Bristol City, while Swindon meet Brighton in the semi-finals.

And King, critical of Pool after losing at Victoria Park last November, admitted his team were second best for long periods on Saturday.

He said: "I think Swindon v Bristol City is the dream final. All the punters and the ticket touts in Cardiff and FA men will agree because it would be a great occasion.

"If I had a choice, I would rather have Brighton in the semi-final, rather than face Bristol City like Hartlepool. I think we have got the better draw and over two legs, my team can beat anyone.

"Having a derby in the semi-final would have been a bit of a lottery, so I'm happier with Brighton.

King added: "I think Hartlepool more than deserved their draw, certainly in the second-half they were the better team. They are a diffcult team to play against.

"We didn't play well, especially in the second-half.

"We got a goal and then I thought we would have gone on, relaxed and played some good football, but it never worked out.

"Hartlepool were doing the right things towards the end, taking the ball into the corners and then we were trying to attack and go forward and leave us all open at the back - I was wanting us to kill the game off.

"I know Port Vale might look at this as a 1-1 draw and wonder, but it was never in question, both teams went for the win.

"This has been our most successful season in seven or eight years and this place is waiting to come alive again.

"We have some history and stature, which maybe Hartlepool haven't got.''

* Pool will meet Bristol City at home on Saturday (6pm) and at Ashton Gate on Wednesday, May 19 (7.45). Both games will be live on Sky Sports.

* Pool season ticket holders can get in first to buy their play-off tickets today and tomorrow for Saturday's home leg.

On Wednesday, supporters with two matchday stubs - from the games with Notts County and Plymouth - can buy their play-off tickets and those with one stub can go down to the ground on Thursday to purchase theirs.

Any remaining tickets will then go on sale on Friday and it may be possible to buy them over the phone.

Pool have been allocated an initial allocation of just 1,500 for the return leg at Ashton Gate.

Season ticket holders can buy tickets at the same time as purchasing their home leg tickets.

Then all remaining away tickets go on sale a week today.

Read more about Hartlepool here.