POOLE Town vice-chairman Chris Reeves is urging the Southern League to take a closer look at fixture planning next season in light of AFC Bournemouth’s continuing success.

Reeves says a number of clashes between games at Dean Court and Tatnam this season have adversely affected Poole’s attendances in the Premier Division.

The Dolphins, who have been top of the table for most of the campaign, offer discounted entry to Cherries season ticket holders for all their home league games.

But with several matches having been staged simultaneously and Cherries flying high in the Championship, Reeves says Poole’s crowds have not increased as much as the club would have wished.

Every season, Southern League clubs are asked to indicate which teams they would like to avoid their fixtures clashing with and Reeves says Poole always request AFC Bournemouth.

Reeves told the Daily Echo: “We are very aware that a number of AFC Bournemouth supporters watch us when our fixtures don’t clash and we do notice quite a difference if both clubs play at home at the same time.

“Every year, there is a form distributed to indicate which clubs we wish to avoid clashes with and we always request AFC Bournemouth. So far this season, we seem to have suffered more than in the past.

“It must be a logistical nightmare to put together the fixtures for all clubs and also to consider requests not to clash. I recognise it is not easy but would hope it is done in such a way that everybody gets their fair share of avoiding clashes.

“We have a magnificent core of supporters but given the way we have been flying high and the entertainment factor, I am a little disappointed with our attendances.”

Although rules prevent clubs from offering entry discounts for FA-sanctioned competitions, Reeves is hoping Cherries followers will lend their support to Poole for tonight’s FA Trophy third qualifying round replay against Staines Town at Tatnam (7.45pm).

He added: “One way or another, I think there have been artificial reasons which have kept our attendances slightly lower than might otherwise have been the case this season.

“The acid test is when we have an attractive home game and AFC Bournemouth aren’t playing and our FA Trophy replay is one of those occasions. I am convinced that if more people were to give us a try, they would want to come back.”

Staines forced a replay after coming from 2-0 and 3-2 behind to draw 3-3 at Wheatsheaf Park on Saturday. The winners will bank £4,000 in prize money together with a trip to Conference South outfit Maidenhead United in the first round on December 13.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Tallack, Jermyn, Walker, Whisken, Pettefer, Maloney, Devlin, Burbidge, Roberts, Martin, Gillespie, Brook, Davis, Munday, Manley.