CAUTIOUS manager Tom Killick is refusing to count his chickens and admits it would be a “disaster” if Poole Town were to fail to make the play-offs.

The Dolphins, in their first season back in the Southern League following a 15-year absence, are seven points clear of the chasing pack with just three games remaining.

Victory tomorrow over Division One South & West rivals Tiverton Town at Ladysmead would guarantee Poole a place in the end-of-season shake up (3pm).

Killick told the Daily Echo: “I think some people are getting a bit carried away because our final three games are as tough as you could get. Following tomorrow’s trip to Tiverton, we visit North Leigh, our nearest challengers for a play-off place, and then host Bideford, the champions.

“There are a lot of permutations but we need at least one win to be sure. We have had some good days when the teams around us have dropped points but everybody is winning now so we need to maintain our good form.

“We drew 0-0 with Tiverton in December and they outplayed us. I thought they were a very decent outfit and it is going to be another tough game.”

Leading league goalscorer Dan Cann misses the trip to Devon as he will serve the first of a two-match ban after accruing 10 bookings. Cann will also sit out next week’s visit to North Leigh.

Scott Joyce, Steve Smith and Alex Baldacchino are all in contention to replace Cann, while midfielder Glenn Howes is a doubt due to a calf injury. Aaron Skelton and Sam Bayston are added to the Poole squad.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Tallack, Spetch, Walker, Emmerson, Joyce, Devlin, Howes, Brooks, Preston, Baldacchino, Smith, Clarke, Richardson, Gill, Skelton, Bayston.