POOLE Town manager Tom Killick has warned that the race for promotion to the Southern Premier is far from a two-horse race.

Dolphins are favourites for the Division One South & West title as they trail long-time leaders Hungerford by five points with five games in hand.

But Killick is refusing to rule out late charges from Swindon Supermarine and Merthyr Town, who both remain in with a shout ahead of the run-in.

The Tatnam boss told the Daily Echo: “On Saturday, Swindon beat Sholing, who are a good side, so I felt that franked their credentials.

“I think both Swindon and Merthyr are still in it. We have got to play Swindon twice. If they were to win those two games, they would have a big chance.

“There are still so many points to play for so I don’t think you can rule out those teams.”

Killick could welcome back Simon Baines for tonight’s home clash with Taunton Town at Tatnam (7.45pm).

Jacob Jagger Cane, signed on loan from Exeter City last week, could make his debut after being an unused sub in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Hungerford.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Clarke, Walker, Spetch, Emmerson, Dibba, Preston, Brooks, Kelly, Charles, Devlin, Burbidge, Byerley, Cann, Richardson, Cane, Baines.

  •  Wimborne Town boss Steve Cuss has hailed the quality of gifted forward Jamie Davidson.

Cuss is hoping to have Davidson back in his squad for Magpies’ trip to Evesham United tonight.

Manager Cuss told the Daily Echo: “Jamie has great technical ability and really opens up defences.

“He has added goals to his game this season and we have been delighted with him.

“Hopefully, he will be back available in time for the game.”

Wimborne will be aiming for a better start than they managed on their last trip to Evesham in November – when floodlight fail ure caused an abandonment with the Dorset outfit trailing 3-0 after 34 minutes.

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Maybury, Costello, Brian, Blake, Hubbard, Webb, Kemble, Smith, Jeffes, Sainsbury, Cole, Peprah-Annan, Roast, Davidson, Ackerman.

  •  Injured defender Tim Stephenson could again miss out when Bashley visit Redditch United in the Southern Premier.

On the back of two wins from their past two league matches, Frank Gray’s men will be bidding to extend their lead over the drop zone.

Bash: (from) Moore, Strickland, Oliver, Finlay, Middleton, Richardson, Casey, Colson, Stokoe, Gamble, Knight, Jenkinson, Hill, Foster, Gazzard, Kearn.

  •  Steve Whitcher is set to boost relegation-threatened New Milton Town by returning for their home clash with Hayling United at Fawcett’s Field. Goalkeeper Mike Hookway could also be available for selection for the Wessex Premier match.

Linnets: (from) Hannides, Proctor, Embree, Barge, Curtis, De’ath, Sampays, Blackburn, Egerton, Booker, Ngwa, Holloway, Donaldson, Roberts, Thomson, Whitcher, Hookway.