AMBITIOUS Poole Town boss Tom Killick is eyeing third place in National South ahead of a possible play-off tilt.

Dolphins are unbeaten in nine of their past 10 league games and victory over Concord on Saturday saw them open a seven-point gap to sixth spot.

Killick's fifth-placed side occupy the final play-off berth and face Hungerford Town – the side immediately below them – at the Black Gold Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

Poole could still be denied the chance to compete in the play-offs due to seating issues at their ground. But it is believed the club would appeal if the National League attempted to block their path.

With the situation up in the air, Killick is hoping for a positive outcome and is relishing a battle for third place with Chelmsford City and Dartford – both of which Poole still have to play – the potential prize being a home tie in the play-off semi-final.

Considering the prospect of victory over Hungerford, Killick told the Daily Echo: "That would put us in a very powerful position with five games remaining and it would put us level on points with Dartford and Chelmsford, which would open up things up.

"It's important in terms of distancing ourselves from Hungerford but also throwing ourselves into the mix for third and fourth place.

"If we are allowed to play in the play-offs, it would be brilliant to have a home tie and to guarantee that, you have to finish third.

"Ebbsfleet and Maidenhead have established themselves as the two strongest sides. They are going neck-and-neck to win the league and if you finish fifth, the likelihood is you will be away from home against one of those teams, which is a difficult proposition.

"If we could finish in the top five, it would be amazing but if we were to finish higher, it would be exceptional and we are striving for that.

"It would create big stakes for the games against Chelmsford and Dartford, which is what we want. It would be great to play those games with big stakes, big crowds and big atmospheres, so it's all to play for."

Abdulai Baggie is doubtful due to an ankle problem, so Killick is hoping Richard Gillespie will be able to take the place of the ex-Tranmere ace in the squad.

Marvin Brooks did not suffer a recurrence of his neck injury after coming on as a substitute against Concord.

Poole will face a Hungerford side who have lost just two of their past 19 games in all competitions. Dolphins triumphed 1-0 in the reverse fixture in October.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Tallack, Moore, Smeeton, Whisken, Pettefer, Burbidge, Devlin, Roberts, Spetch, Baggie, Cooper, Gillespie, Granger, Brooks, Askew, Rees.