PROMOTER Matt Ford insists Poole Pirates still have it all to do on home shale despite their slender play-off lead over King’s Lynn.

Pirates hold a one-point advantage over the Stars heading into next Monday's season-defining showdown at Wimborne Road courtesy of last night's 45-44 away success.

Having seen Poole plunder five Elite League points from their trips to the Norfolk Arena this year, Ford admitted the first-leg triumph had not taken him by surprise.

But with an early-season victory for King's Lynn in Dorset still fresh in his mind, the Poole chief remains wary despite his side being tipped for a place in the final.

“I think you only have to look at this season’s results to understand just how close this tie will turn out to be,” said Ford.

“We narrowly lost at King’s Lynn at the start of the season and won 49-41 there during the latter stages of the campaign.

“They came to our place and got a good win at the start of the season and made life very difficult for us on their second visit when they gained a point.

“We always believed we had the ability to go there and win. Our guests were picked with the track in mind and Danny King and Craig Cook were competitive. It was the right track on the right occasion.

"But I don’t think anyone can make either side favourites with how closely matched we have been all season. Both teams still have a good chance and I have no doubt it will be a difficult fixture.

"We’re not in the final yet. Fingers crossed, we can complete the job but only then can we start to think beyond that.”

Meanwhile, Ford revealed that flying reserve Kyle Newman had picked up a knee injury during his fall on the first bend of heat 12.

“It is a small concern,” added Ford. “Kyle will certainly be feeling the effects of a dead leg for a couple of days and we need to get him back fit. He is priceless at the moment.

“It’s too early to say for sure but I think a week’s rest will do him the power of good and we’re very optimistic it won’t be a problem.

“He has a couple of guest bookings and might have to pull out of his meeting for Somerset on Wednesday but it will be down to him to judge that.”

Ford confirmed that Edward Kennett would guest for the injured Josh Grajczonek in the second leg but said no decision had been made on how to cover Darcy Ward’s absence.