ASSISTANT boss James Wood is confident Poole Town can overcome Saturday's bite from underdogs Bideford by leaving relegation-haunted Arlesey with their tails between their legs.

Wood will preside over the trip to the Armadillo Stadium (7.45pm) while manager Tom Killick serves the third of a six-match stadium ban for an improper conduct charge with Dolphins still smarting from a shock 2-1 reverse.

It was the first time championship-chasing Poole, who have led the Southern League after 25 of their 34 Premier Division matches so far this season, had relinquished top spot following a defeat.

The odds-on title favourites have followed each of their previous four league losses with wins and Wood has every faith they can continue that trend despite third-bottom Arlesey's desperate need for points.

Wood told the Daily Echo: "I expect the right response from the players and I am sure we will get it. We will be strong and ready to go.

"We know we only have a couple of get out of jail cards and Saturday's result puts greater significance and extra pressure on this game.

"But these lads are used to being there to be shot at. It is second nature now because we have been in there challenging for the past few seasons.

"Bideford won at our place on Saturday and it was like they had won the World Cup and the players have to accept that will be the case with some sides.

"Arlesey will be well up for it, especially after closing the gap at the bottom with a very good win against Chesham at the weekend. We know it is a tough place to go at the best of times, let alone in midweek.

"The lads have worked so hard all season and got themselves into a position where their destiny is in their own hands.

"It is not a time to panic, we just have to regroup, pull together and battle on through it to get a positive result. From there, we can push on again."

Midfielder Carl Pettefer, who was rested as a precaution on Saturday, could be in line for a return subject to pre-match assessment.

Marvin Brooks serves the last of his three-game ban following his red card in the Dorset Senior Cup at Weymouth but other than that, Wood has a full complement to select from.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Tallack, Lindsay, Walker, Whisken, Davis, Burbidge, Devlin, Gillespie, Quigley, Walsh, Roberts, Spetch, Lowes, Pettefer, Yates.