PROMOTER Matt Ford fears Poole Pirates' Elite League destiny could be reduced to a lottery as the scrap for a suitable number one intensifies.

Ford's attempts to find the right replacement for banned talisman Darcy Ward ahead of the play-offs became more difficult when Niels-Kristian Iversen's season-ending injury saw King's Lynn enter the race for top guests.

Swindon's surge towards the play-offs coupled with Coventry's likely place in the end-of-season shoot-out seems set to dramatically reduce the options available to both clubs when the title-deciding showdowns kick off at the end of this month.

And with a lack of fit and willing riders adding to his headache, Ford admits he is working on a week-by-week basis despite desperate attempts to find a more regular solution.

Explaining Poole's play-off predicament, Ford told the Daily Echo: “This season's two dominant teams have lost two of the very best riders in the Elite League and replacing them at any time would have proved almost impossible.

“It makes life really difficult because we're chasing the same riders as King's Lynn. There are so few available and more often than not the teams that make the play-offs get there because they have the best number ones.

“In my opinion, Swindon are now favourites to grab that last spot ahead of Eastbourne, so very good riders such as Peter Kildemand and Troy Batchelor, along with Hans Andersen and Chris Harris (both Coventry), are probably going to be tied up or even riding against us.

“Tai Woffinden is carrying an injury, Piotr Pawlicki is banned for 28 days after missing meetings for Wolves and Matej Zagar is reluctant to take guest bookings while he chases a top-three position in the Grand Prix.

“Unfortunately, what we do solely depends on availability for those dates.

"We can't arrange a permanent guest because they all have their own club commitments but it is always nice to have one that becomes more of regular and fingers crossed, we will be able to find someone to take the majority of our fixtures.”

Patched-up Poole will draft in four guests for tonight's rearranged home meeting with Eastbourne Eagles (7.30pm), who still harbour hopes of nicking a top-four berth.

Shamek Pawlicki (shoulder) remains sidelined while Josh Grajczonek and Benji Compton have riding commitments elsewhere.

Former skipper Davey Watt stands in for Ward with Lewis Bridger, Edward Kennett and former reserve Ben Hopwood also stepping into the breach.

Poole: (from) Bridger (guest), Janowski, Kennett (guest), Milik, Watt (guest), Hopwood (guest), Newman. Team Manager: Neil Middleditch.

Eastbourne: (from) Kylmakorpi, Lahti, Michelsen, Pedersen, Halsey, plus two unnamed guests for Cameron Woodward and Lewis Blackbird. Team Manager: Trevor Geer.