TOM Killick has urged Poole Town to block out any derby day hype in order to conquer title rivals Weymouth.

The Southern League’s top two face off at Tatnam on Saturday (3pm) with Dolphins trailing their Dorset neighbours by a solitary point, albeit with three games in hand.

Poole’s manager insisted defeat would not halt either side’s championship challenge but admitted the victors would land a telling psychological blow in the battle for top spot.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “It is a big fixture but as both teams have so many games left, it is not going to be terminal for either side if they lose. There are too many points to play for.

“The key difference we are finding this season is that the quality at the top end is not as high but teams towards the bottom are proving far more competitive and the potential for dropping points is far greater.

“But these head-to-head games are very significant psychologically and we must not allow ourselves to get carried away by the atmosphere or the occasion.

“They often get decided by the tiny details. The team that shows greater concentration and intelligence throughout the game generally comes out on top but that is much more difficult to achieve in a volatile atmosphere.

“Players have to be mentally strong to win.”

Defender Will Spetch is likely to continue his comeback from long- term injury with another appearance for Wareham Rangers but Killick hopes to have the luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Flexible full-back Keith Emmerson and new loan signing Ben Close are available.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Tallack, Lindsay, Martin, Walker, Whisken, Pettefer, Burbidge, Devlin, Quigley, Brooks, Davis, Gilkes, Gillespie, Roberts, Thomas, Close, Emmerson.