BOSS Tom Killick insists Poole’s clash with newly-promoted Biggleswade Town will be as big a test of his managerial credentials as Monday’s derby with Weymouth.
The Dolphins host their fellow Southern Premier newcomers on the back of an incident-packed 2-2 draw with the Terras, finishing the game with just nine men.
Killick acknowledges the Waders match presents a different challenge after his charges emerged with an unlikely share of the spoils in front of more than 1,000 fans but claims tomorrow’s task will be just as tough (3pm).
“Psychologically, it is difficult to deal with a game which is realistically going to be a lot different,” said Killick.
“Unfortunately, that kind of crowd is the exception rather than the rule and we have to make sure we’re on our game in front of fewer people.
“Weymouth was a big game for the players emotionally and physically, but we have to make sure we are ready for Biggleswade because we can’t afford to take any team lightly or perform at less than our best at this level.”
Marvin Brooks is back in contention after returning as a substitute against Weymouth, but Warren Cummings and Lamin Dibba are doubtful. Richard Gillespie, who scored twice from the bench on Monday, is in line to start.
Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Clarke, Spetch, Whisken, Oliver, Pettefer, Elliott, Gillespie, Devlin, Davies, Preston, Cann, Brooks, Byerley, Davis, Rowe, Thomas.
- Bashley’s search for a first win of the season has been boosted by the return of Dave Allen from AFC Totton.
Attacking midfielder Allen, who scored 45 goals in 110 appearances for Bash under current Totton boss Steve Riley, has been drafted in ahead of tomorrow’s home match with Bideford (3pm).
The New Forest outfit will also be able to call on the services of winger Charlie Knight who has recovered from injury ahead of a clash joint-boss Paul Gazzard admits is a must win.
“It is important for us to get our season started,” said Gazzard. “Our target for the first five games was eight points and we’re already behind that. It’s a home game and we need to turn the corner quickly.”
Pearce Farren and Jack Satterley are injury doubts for Bash.
Bash: (from) Jones, Stephenson, Boultwood, I Richardson, Middleton, S Richardson, Casey, Strickland, Porter, Sills, Odam, Knight, Jeffes, Brookes, Thomas, Satterley, Allen.
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