BOSS Tom Killick is confident Poole Town can deal with being chased for the final play-off position – and would rather have the points on the board.

Dolphins host relegation-threatened Frome Town in Southern League South on Saturday (3pm) after cashing in on games in hand on those around them.

But with their play-off rivals now having played fewer fixtures, the boss insisted he would rather have the points up front, instead of playing catch-up.

He told the Daily Echo: “It feels a little bit odd to have spent most of the season chasing the leading pack and enjoying games in hand.

“However, we’re in contention now and that is what I am focusing on.

“A few weeks ago, we weren’t even thinking about the play-offs. We were focusing on improving our own performances and the players deserve a lot of credit for the way they have performed over the past month.

“The improved performances have led to improved results and, now we’re in the play-offs, we have to be considered to have a decent chance.”

Nearest rivals Harrow Borough, Kings Langley and Merthyr Town sit within striking range, all enjoying the potential to turn games in hand on Poole into three points.

A slight positive for Dolphins is a much healthier goal difference than their rivals.

Killick said: “I’m not too concerned about clubs having games in hand, I’m mainly just focusing on what we can do and control. I will admit that on Tuesday I hoped Weymouth (against Merthyr) would win, which is a rare thing for me to say!

“But right now all we can do is carry on picking up points and focusing on our own game. We can’t control results elsewhere, so there’s no point worrying too much about it.”

Visitors Frome have been in the bottom three for much of the campaign but Killick is wary of the division’s repeated escape artists. He added: “We’re very aware of what Frome are like as a side and we know they’re very experienced in beating the drop. In the past few weeks they’ve improved quite a bit, winning about half of their games.”

Poole will have almost a full squad to pick from, with Luke Roberts continuing to recover from a knee injury. James Constable (hamstring) is the only major doubt for Dolphins, barring long-term injuries.