RESERVE ace Kyle Newman has fired a warning to Poole Pirates’ detractors ahead of tomorrow’s play-off semi-final second leg (7.30pm).

The 22-year-old believes Pirates can prove their critics wrong and bring the Elite League title back to Dorset once more.

Neil Middleditch’s men hold a 45-44 advantage over King’s Lynn following last week’s first leg at the Norfolk Arena.

And Newman is desperate to play his part as Pirates - the defending champions - bid to reach a fifth consecutive play-off final.

He told the Daily Echo: “It annoyed me a little bit to see so many knockers out there but then I thought to myself, ‘let them knock us’.

“Last year Poole were written off and look what happened. This year we’re still getting knocked but we’re in the semi-final and we won away at King’s Lynn.

“I say bring it on. Keep knocking us and we’ll keep proving you wrong.”

Doubts linger over whether tomorrow’s meeting will go ahead due to the weather. At the time of writing, rain was scheduled throughout the morning with more set to follow late in the afternoon.

The second leg of the other semi-final between Swindon and Coventry is also due to take place tomorrow.