POOLE Town manager Tom Killick will not gamble with Richard Gillespie’s long-term fitness tomorrow – despite rating opponents Biggleswade as a top-eight side.

Striker Gillespie, dubbed Mr Goals by the local non-league fraternity, missed Dolphins’ FA Cup victory over Barnstaple with a back complaint.

The Waders have been imperious on home soil so far, amassing 10 points and rattling in 13 goals in four unbeaten league matches ahead of Poole’s visit.

But despite backing the Bedfordshire-based hosts to challenge at the top end, boss Killick is not prepared to risk four-goal hotshot Gillespie, who endured a stop-start campaign due to injury last season, before he is ready.

“Richard Gillespie is still struggling with a back problem,” said Killick. "He is probably 50-50 after suffering a bit of discomfort on Wednesday so we said we would assess things at training.

“It is a difficult one but I think with Gilly, it is important to make sure he is right before bringing him back.”

On Biggleswade, Killick added: “They were a strong side last season, particularly at home, and seem to have acquired some good players.

“I expect them to be well established in the top eight and with this being an away match, it is inevitably going to be another difficult game for us.”

Killick has an otherwise full-fit squad to choose from as sixth-placed Poole look to close the three-point gap on leaders Chippenham.

  • Scott Arnold’s recovery from a fractured cheekbone could be curtailed after his operation was cancelled at the last minute yesterday.

The Wimborne Town skipper was due to have the damage repaired after suffering the injury during last Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Witheridge.

Magpies return to Southern South & West action against Larkhall Athletic, who have yet to lose an away league match this season, tomorrow.

  • Bottom club Bournemouth Poppies will be looking for their first Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division win of the season when they journey to nearest rivals Folland Sports.

Hamworthy United travel to Cowes Sports, Verwood are away to Whitchurch and Brockenhurst visit Alresford, while Lymington Town look to end high-flying Horndean’s unbeaten start to the league season at Five Heads Park.

  • Caretaker boss Andy Cherrett will attempt to lead Christchurch to a first league win of the season at Fleet Spurs in Wessex One, while New Milton Town journey to Amesbury (all 3pm).

Second-placed Ringwood Town are without a game but ran Sholing all the way in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Wednesday.

Ben Harris put Town in front but the Boatmen levelled straight away before Lewis Kelly struck the winner with two minutes to play. Ringwood’s Ryan Osman was denied a late leveller by a fingertip save.

Brockenhurst’s home tie with Eversley & California was postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday.