TEAM boss Neil Middleditch has called for Poole Pirates to “close ranks” and summon the club’s successful siege mentality.

Pirates have suffered a turbulent time over the past 11 days with heat leader Shamek Pawlicki sidelined with a broken collarbone before Darcy Ward’s indefinite suspension following a failed alcohol test.

That has left promoter Matt Ford with the unenviable task of finding suitable guests to cover his top two and complement Poole’s youthful line-up in their quest to successfully defend last year’s Elite League crown.

But despite the double disappointment, Middleditch believes his lesser lights are capable of stepping up to the plate and delivering match-winning performances – provided they can focus on the task in hand.

Asked whether Poole’s recent woes had affected the mood in the pits, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “Everybody is disappointed, they’re bound to be, but we just have to get on with the job.

“It plays on people’s minds while things are up in the air but we know what we’re facing now. The riders are all professionals and, as much as it might upset them on the inside, they have to get their heads up and carry on regardless.

“Poole have got a habit of doing that. We’ve had quite a few things go against us over the years but, one way or another, we always tend to get through it and this year is no exception.

“If we can close ranks and maintain our focus then you never know, in a way it might make us stronger with the riders knowing they have to put in that bit extra to make up for Darcy’s absence and hopefully we’ll pick up the right guests to help them out.”

Poole can all-but guarantee their place in the play-offs by taking maximum points from tonight’s home meeting with Wolverhampton (7.30pm).

Club legend again Bjarne Pedersen fills Ward’s boots while Lakeside’s Lewis Bridger comes in for Pawlicki.

Struggling Wolves are suffering a turbulent time themselves with world champion Tai Woffinden out injured and Piotr Pawlicki – Shamek’s brother – dismissed by the West Midlands club after not making himself available for meetings.

Grand Prix star Chris Harris guests with Wolves using rider replacement for Pawlicki.

Middleditch added: “Bomber (Harris) has performed equally well for us as against us in the past. He is always capable of haunting you because he gives 100 per cent whatever race jacket he’s wearing, that’s just his nature.

“We need to get back to winning ways after the Lakeside result and to do that we must contain Chris. Mathematically, we can still catch King's Lynn but three points are a must if we’re going to keep pushing towards top spot.”

Pirates: (from) Pedersen (guest), Bridger (guest), Janowski, Grajczonek, Milik, Compton, Newman.

Wolves: (from) Harris (guest), Bjerre, R/R for P Pawlicki, Karlsson, Thorssell, Jacobs, Perry.