BOSS Tom Killick admitted he had been “very aware” of the threat posed by in-form Chesham United as Poole Town continue their Southern League South play-off push.

Dolphins on Saturday (3pm) visit a Generals outfit who are unbeaten in 2019 having vastly improved from their early-season results.

Chesham have picked up 12 points from their past six league encounters, while Dolphins top the form table having accumulated 13.

Despite the challenge of Chesham, Killick is hopeful his charges can produce another win to bolster their top-five position.

He told the Daily Echo: “We are very aware of how improved Chesham are. If you looked at their early-season form, they were in and around the bottom of the table for the first few months.

“But if you look at their recent form, they’re probably in the top four sides in the league. Everyone now recognises how improved they are. We certainly are expecting a tough match on Saturday.”

Dolphins’ most recent clash with Chesham had been a 0-0 draw at Black Gold Stadium in January.

And the boss is predicting yet another closely-fought contest.

“The game at home was quite frustrating,” said Killick. “They came to us with a very strict game plan - which was to sit back and absorb pressure – and stuck to it.

“They didn’t really threaten us and while they did look to hit us on the counter to grab a goal, they were quite content to take a point.

“I think at home they will be a little bit bolder and look to take more initiative. Whatever the approach, we’re expecting a tight match.”

Jake Smeeton returns to the squad after returning from holiday but Killick is set to be without Will Spetch through suspension and Luke Roberts, who is once again struggling through injury.

“Luke Roberts has an issue with his knee again – a little niggle that will probably rule him out. We’ll see but I don’t expect to have him available,” said the Dolphins boss.

Poole are two points ahead of play-off rivals Harrow Borough, with seventh-place King’s Langley three points adrift with a game in hand. Dolphins are boosted by a superior goal difference compared to those below them.

Dolphins: (from) Cairney, Moore, Leslie-Smith, Whisken, Scrimshaw, House, Griffin, Constable, Boote, Brooks, Bedford, Dickson, Grange, Hubbard.