VERWOOD Town manager Carl Poore knows exactly what to expect from former boss Tom Killick – but knows that alone is unlikely to trump Poole Town.

Poore takes to the away dugout at Tatnam for the first time since helping Dolphins to three consecutive Wessex League titles when he leads Potters into Dorset Senior Cup battle tomorrow (7.45pm).

Having served as Killick’s captain during that stint, Poore knows all about his opposite number’s exacting standards but concedes that countering Poole’s tactics in the last-eight clash could be a thankless task.

“Knowing what they will do is one thing but stopping them is another matter,” said Poore. “Tom’s teams always set a quick tempo and look to start brightly.

“I am expecting them to come at us and they could have us chasing it a bit. But if we approach it with the right mentality and Poole have an off day then we can give ourselves a chance.

“Tom will have bigger things on his mind but I know what he is like, he hates losing and Poole have a great record in this competition. We are underdogs no matter who they put out.”

Verwood will be without Matt Groves, Dean Evans and Ben Kelly, while Josh Buck is a doubt following a bout of illness.

Poole are likely to ring the changes with Killick’s squad decimated by injury in recent weeks.

  • Elsewhere, Bashley host Mangotsfield United in Southern League Division One South & West (7.45pm).