POPULAR goalkeeper Adam Tong is set to complete his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening injury by featuring for Poole Town tomorrow.

The youngster is named in Dolphins’ squad for the Wessex Premier Division match at lowly Hamble for the first time since suffering a serious head injury playing rugby last September.

And manager Tom Killick is delighted to have the stopper available again, as he provides cover for number one Jason Harvell.

“He’s been gradually rehabilitating himself and it’s a real boost for everyone at the club,” said Killick.

“He’s only a young lad and it was a very worrying time when he had the injury, so we’re pleased his recovery is now sufficient that he can play football again.

“Adam’s a very good character and he is very well liked around the club.

“He’s such a nice lad and his family are brilliant and come to all the games, so he’s very well thought of.”

Meanwhile, Cherries loan winger Carl Preston, veteran midfielder Taffy Richardson and striker Stuart Brown should all return for the runaway league leaders. But James Bailey-Pearce and Dave Sturgess (both hamstring) are doubtful.

Killick added: “When we played Hamble early in the new year it was quite close and I expected their results to improve more than they have since then.

“But based on that performance, I thought they were a reasonable side.”

Poole Town: (from) Harvell, Poore, Whitley, Dibba, Browne, Gill, Skelton, Hubbard, Richardson, Preston, Culliford, Brown, Austin, Smith, Sturgess, Bailey-Pearce, Tong.

Phil Simkin expects members of his threadbare squad to continue playing through the pain barrier.

The Hamworthy United boss takes his depleted side to Alton Town with the hope of enhancing their Wessex Premier top six credentials.

But Hammers will have to do so without suspended duo Steve Gilbert and Stuart Cannie, while Carl Mutch is injured.

As well as these absentees, a number of Simkin’s players are carrying knocks.

He said: “We’ve had people playing with injuries since Christmas and I don’t think anything will change. We’ll just keep working away.

“I’m interested in strengthening the squad, but I’m not really in a position to do that.

“I’ve spoken to people but it’s the same old problem (money).”

Hamworthy United: (from) Peters, Horlock, White, Cherrett, Crow, Kenway, Yelland, Jackson, Lockyer, McCabe, Dovell, Dancer, Byerley, Crossin.

Also in the top flight, Bournemouth Poppies travel to Fareham Town.

In Wessex Division One, Verwood Town host promotion hopefuls Blackfield and Langley at Potterne Park, while Ringwood Town visit Amesbury Town.