POOLE Town boss Tom Killick received a welcome boost after Jake Smeeton’s shoulder injury was revealed to be less serious than first feared.

Smeeton was forced off during the Southern League South defeat to Hendon and will play no part when Dolphins host Cinderford Town in an FA Cup second qualifying round clash on Saturday.

But Killick is optimistic the ex-Dorchester Town defender will soon be back to full fitness.

The manager told the Daily Echo: “It’s looking a bit better than we thought but it’s still quite early.

“He went to hospital and they felt there was no break or dislocation so it may be that his shoulder popped out and came back in.

“He’s not going to play for a couple of weeks but we’re hoping we might get away with that sort of timescale.

“It’s a bit uncertain but it’s looking more positive.”

Jamie Whisken and Franklyn Clarke are doubts to face lower-division Cinderford, while Steve Devlin and Jack Dickson are sidelined.

The teams are set to duel for £9,000 in prize money and the opportunity to play for £15,000 in the next round.

Killick said: “The game has huge significance because if you have a good run in the FA Cup, it can create a lot of interest and excitement and can have a long-lasting impact in terms of increasing crowds.

“If you get to the point where you get a decent draw and crowd later in the competition, you get the chance to keep some of those fans as more permanent supporters.

“As a manager, you always have two hats. I’m aware of that type of thing, which affects the overall welfare of the club and then there’s the immediate financial rewards if you get a run in it.

“It would be a boost for us if we could have a good run but we are right at the start so you can’t look too far ahead.”