TOM Killick is adamant securing a lofty finish must be Poole Town’s aim – even if they would then have to rewrite the Southern League record books to win promotion.
The Dolphins, already guaranteed a play-off place in Division One South & West, are targeting second or third to ensure home advantage in the semi-finals.
However, the omens are not good and, since the inception of the division in 2006, the five promoted clubs have all finished either fourth or fifth.
Sholing, one of Poole’s rivals this season, were beaten in the final 12 months ago by Frome Town – after finishing 16 points clear of the Somerset outfit.
Poole tomorrow travel to North Leigh for their final away game of the regulation season (3pm), with boss Killick hoping their next three games will all be at Tatnam.
“I am surprised by the statistics,” said Killick. “If you look at the league table, home records are much better than away ones.
“Maybe players feel the pressure more in one-off play-off games. The expectancy levels are going to be higher and the away team may feel slightly more relaxed.
“Irrespective of the recent history, I would much rather play at home. We would get a big crowd and I think that would be an advantage.”
Although third-placed Poole are just a point behind Gosport Borough, Killick believes the Hampshire club will not slip up in their final two games.
“I am looking below rather than above,” said Killick. “I don’t think Gosport will drop any points and we will probably need to win our final two games to stay ahead of Sholing.
“I am not too optimistic about catching Gosport but am very keen to try to finish ahead of Sholing so we are at home in the semi-final.”
Killick is pondering making changes for Poole’s visit to North Leigh, the Millers still themselves harbouring a slim chance of reaching the play-offs.
He added: “Ideally, I wouldn’t mind resting some players because we don’t want to run the risk of picking up any injuries.”
Leading league goalscorer Dan Cann serves the second of a two-match ban, although striker Karim Benssaouda is included after receiving international clearance.
Aaron Skelton, Taffy Richardson and Glenn Howes all return to the squad.
Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Tallack, Walker, Spetch, Emmerson, Preston, Brooks, Devlin, Gill, Joyce, Baldacchino, Smith, Best, Bayston, Clarke, Skelton, Richardson, Howes, Benssaouda.
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