TEAM manager Neil Middleditch has admitted: "It might be a bridge too far" for Pirates to finish in a coveted Elite League top-two position this year.

But far from being despondent about their title hopes, he still believes they can cause a shock in the semi-finals and reach their third final in five seasons.

Middleditch, whose side host table-topping Swindon in a mouth-watering encounter tonight (7.30pm), has made his admission following Poole Castle Cover's agonising 47-45 defeat at Wolves on Monday.

The Dorset club really needed to win that match to keep their fading hopes of a top-two finish alive and an initial home draw in the play-offs.

Asked if he felt third-placed Pirates could still force their way back into the top two, Middleditch said: "To be honest, it might be a bridge too far.

"Having said that, we are a good enough team to go to Swindon or Coventry, if that is the case, and win in the semis."

Middleditch added: "We can't worry about that now though. We have to concentrate on beating Swindon first and then go from there."

Pirates chief Matt Ford has not publicly admitted that second place might be out of reach now, with Swindon six points above his side and Coventry three in front with two matches in hand.

However, like Middleditch, he believes that Poole are probably the best equipped side to pull off the first semi-final away win in the six-year history of the play-offs.

Since the play-offs began in 2002, there have been 12 one-off quarter-final or semi-final ties all won by the home side.

Ipswich came closest to snatching victory in the semis when they tied 45-45 at Wolves in 2004 but saw Hans Andersen lose a run-off to Mikael Max.

Ironically, Poole are one of only two teams to win away in 22 play-off matches - and they have done it twice.

They triumphed 45-44 at Coventry in the first leg of the 2003 final on their way to a 100-79 aggregate victory.

Pirates also beat Wolves 49-41 away in the first leg of the 2004 final to underpin a 112-71 aggregate success.

Whatever tonight's result at Wimborne Road, as it stands, Pirates look set for a semi-final at Swindon or Coventry with Peterborough outsiders to grab a top-two place and provide the opposition.

Poole haven't won at any of those tracks this year.

But they won't be afraid to return to any of those venues for a one-off meeting, having pushed the home sides all the way in five fixtures so far.