BOSS Tom Killick admits Poole Town are under pressure but insists matters would be much worse if his side were marooned in mid-table.

Killick, who has been in the Tatnam hot seat since 2004, is attempting to steer Dolphins to their fourth promotion under his charge.

The Southern Premier leaders travel to Stratford Town tonight (7.45pm) knowing they require eight points from their final four games to guarantee the title.

And with the prospect of National South football agonisingly close, Killick admits he is relishing the run-in.

He told the Daily Echo: "I think you have to try to embrace it. I would much rather be in this situation than be pootling around in mid-table and for the season to be over.

"I like the fact every game we play has something riding on it. These games are big challenges because of where we are in the table so you have to look at it as a positive thing.

"I can't remember a season at Poole for a long time, if ever, where the season just petered out.

"It always seems we've been in these situations where we are fighting to the end and I hope that will help us.

"For managers to motivate players is difficult when there is nothing to play for but when you are in our situation, motivation is certainly not something that needs too much attention.

"It's more about keeping people's focus and not being over-stressed. You have to try and retain intelligence and make good decisions when you play. When the stakes are high and emotions are high, that is often the most difficult thing.

"These games are going to be nervy for all the sides in the shake-up as they are hugely significant."

Killick hopes Lewis Lindsay will be available following a back problem while striker Richard Gillespie came through his substitute appearance in the stalemate at Hitchin Town on Saturday.

Defender Michael Walker is due to begin a two-match ban but winger Abdulai Baggie's prospects of featuring again this season appear increasingly bleak due to a knee injury.

Killick added: "Abs is due to have an MRI scan this week but with only a week and a half of the season left, it's not looking promising."