MATT Ford admitted Pirates' Wimborne Road track had been a hindrance rather than a help and insisted: "We have our work cut out to beat anybody at home."

Poole are in the midst of their worst home run in 12 years, a heavy defeat to Swindon last week making it three losses on the spin in Dorset.

Aussie star Brady Kurtz revealed at the end of last month that Pirates' riders were "not happy" with the condition of the oval.

So in a bid to turn matters round, the track was cut prior to the defeat to King's Lynn a fortnight ago. But club owner Ford believes visiting riders have benefited from that tweak.

He told the Daily Echo: "The track is now so smooth that riders are finding it far too easy and there is no home track advantage.

"Blades have been used to cut the top edge off the track, so now it is the easiest thing in the world to ride. You can just go flat out.

"People had asked for us to do it and we did it and we have just taken our biggest home defeat in eight years.

"We have our work cut out to beat anybody at home now."

Ford feels a lack of experience of Wimborne Road shale among the Poole septet has also contributed to his team's home troubles.

The promoter said: "These riders are not home track riders as we would normally class them.

"Hans Andersen has ridden the track many times and a case could be made for Paul Starke but many of the other guys have not. Jack Holder has only ridden the track around 20 times, as has James Shanes.

"Timo Lahti made his debut the other day and the same goes for Richie Worrall.

"Away riders have ridden the track as much as these guys."

During Ford's reign, Pirates have never suffered defeat in four home meetings in a row. And that is a slate the Poole chief is keen to keep clean against a Rebels side which has not raced in the SGB Premiership in a month.

In an interview with the club website, he said: "We need to start putting home points on the board.

"We have been doing better on our travels but all that good work is being undone by our home form which has certainly been too charitable.

"We have to up our game here, there can be no excuses. I am looking for total commitment throughout the team.

"Somerset haven't been too active of late but you can't read anything into that as they could come out all guns blazing or, alternatively, they might be a bit rusty.

"Whatever they do, we simply have to better."

Pirates: (from) Hans Andersen, Jack Holder, Edward Kennett, Timo Lahti, Richie Worrall, James Shanes, Paul Starke.

Somerset: (from) Josh Grajczonek, Cameron Heeps, Patrick Hougaard, Richard Lawson, Charles Wright, Jake Allen, Lewis Kerr.