POOLE Town FC supporters will be hoping the council’s planning board finds the back of the net for them this afternoon.

Borough of Poole (BOP) councillors will decide on proposals to install new low-level terracing and upgraded floodlighting at their home ground - an application vital to the club’s current National South status.

The Dolphins face the prospect of being relegated from the league - which they’ve just gained promotion to - unless they get their Tatnam ground up to scratch by March 31.

The club, which was crowned Southern League champions last year, was only given the green light to play in National South on the proviso their ground meets National League ground-grading criteria before the March deadline.

Local businessman Steve Griffiths, who owns Portman Stone in Christchurch, recently bought a shareholding in the club and has pledged £40,000 towards funding the upgrades.

Meanwhile, Dolphins’ vice-chairman Chris Reeves, speaking to the Daily Echo earlier this month, said: “The upgrade works are huge. They are going to cost in the region of £150,000 and we have £40,000 ring-fenced.

“It would be fantastic if we could get the remaining £110,000 by March 31 but we don’t need the full amount by that date. We need at least £70,000 by then though.”

An official document outlining today’s proposals, written by BOP planning case officer James Gilfillan, recommends councillors on Poole’s planning board agree the ground update plans.

Poole Town FC wants permission to build tiered open terraces for standing spectators on the north and west sides of the pitch. Similar terraces would be installed inside the existing north stand, and a flood light will be moved 14 metres closer to the pitch.

Capacity, at the ground bordering the end of school fields associated with Oakdale Junior School, will not be increased by the terracing.

While Sport England initially questioned whether the plans complied with FA ground standards, their latest correspondence to planning officers stated: “Sport England does not wish to raise an objection to this application.”

Mr Gilfillan concludes: “The proposals would enhance the quality of the football ground, whilst preserving the character and appearance of the site, street scene and area. The application is recommended for approval.”