TEAM manager Neil Middleditch is urging Poole Pirates to quickly kill off the “wounded animal” to ensure Coventry cannot wrest the Elite League crown from their clutches.

The reigning champions are overwhelming favourites to lift a sixth top-flight crown in 12 years at Wimborne Road tonight (7.30pm) after picking up a slender lead from Friday's abandoned 37-34 victory over the Bees at Brandon.

But with May's 48-47 home defeat to Coventry - a meeting Poole had led by 12 points with five heats to go - fresh in his mind, Middleditch has warned his Pirates to take nothing for granted against Gary Havelock's “dogged” outfit.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “We're in a nice position but Coventry are angry about losing at home, they're a wounded animal and we know how dangerous they can be. We will have to have our wits about us and the message to the lads will be to get in early and hit them hard.

“They have had more big wins on the road than anyone else this season so we have to be aware of that. We don't fear them but there is certainly a healthy respect there.

“In Chris Harris, Ben Barker and Jason Garrity they have dogged riders who are capable of winning races wherever they go.

“My team talk will be based on making sure we're not complacent. We slipped up against Coventry earlier in the season, though that was mainly down to good tactical work from Havvy (Havelock).

“We have to go out all guns blazing. It's in our hands but three points can be overturned in one race and that's what I would be thinking in Havvy's position.”

Last season, Pirates overcame a plethora of injuries to battle back from the bottom of the table to take the fourth and final play-off place before crushing Birmingham in the Grand Final.

Middleditch labelled the 2013 success his greatest achievement but said that winning this year's championship having been without talisman Darcy Ward for almost half of the club's meetings would rival it.

“It has been trying and if we do go on and win it, this one would certainly rank up there with last year for sure,” said Middleditch. “We've had a lot of problems on and off the track but we've managed to come through it and here we are, in the final once again.

“We have closed ranks and tried to cover Darcy. He is impossible to replace but the boys deserve so much credit for getting on with the job.”

Troy Batchelor continues to guest in Ward's absence, while fellow Swindon rider Nick Morris steps in for the injured Josh Grajczonek. Benji Compton returns at reserve.