WIMBORNE Road chief Matt Ford reckons no one is tipping Pirates to make the SGB Premiership play-offs following their disappointing recent run.

Poole have lost four meetings in a row and are clinging to the final qualifying berth ahead of the likes of King's Lynn and Somerset.

Heading towards the business end of the season, the Dorset club will hope for an upturn in fortunes in order to avoid missing the play-offs for the first time in eight years.

Promoter Ford believes Poole are outsiders for the top four but feels there are plenty of "twists and turns" to come.

He told the Daily Echo: "We wouldn't be anyone's pick to make the play-offs now.

"But speedway is a funny thing. One thing I can assure everybody is there will be lots of twists and turns because clubs cannot now make changes and injuries will play a part, of that I'm certain.

"Absentees, form and luck will play a huge part in who walks away with the crown this season."

Poole last year saw their title tilt ended at the play-off semi-final stage by Wolverhampton, who they face at Monmore Green tomorrow (7.30pm).

The meeting looks likely to be the final fixture of Richie Worrall's stint at Pirates, with Brady Kurtz set to return from a broken rib against Rye House on Thursday.

Team boss Neil Middleditch said: "Brady was having trouble with his breathing during the first world under-21s round recently but he is certainly a lot better now.

"He has had some heavy oxygen treatment and we are looking forward to seeing him back soon.

"Richie has done a great job and I think he has enjoyed his short time with us. I'm sure next year he will pick up a team from the start of the season because he is certainly capable of holding a team place down.

"He gets on with his job and doesn't moan about anything. He takes everything for what it is and gives 100 per cent, and as a team manager that's all you can ask for.

"Hopefully, he can give a good account of himself against Wolverhampton."

Pirates claimed a shock 48-44 win at Wolves in July and Middleditch added: "We had a good night last time and I'm sure they will want to return the favour.

"We will go out there with a slightly different team to the one we took before and we will just have to see how things go.

"Last time, I said to the boys that I'd be happy with a point and we came away with three. My team talk will be the same. If we get a point I'll be happy and anything after that is a bonus."