TAFFY Richardson admits he still backs Poole Town to make the Southern League South play-offs despite their reliance on rivals dropping points.

Kings Langley climbed to fifth and seized the initiative for the final play-off spot after their midweek win against Hartley Wintney.

Victory opened a three-point gap over the chasing pack, which includes sixth-placed Dolphins.

Poole’s pursuit of a top-five finish is now out of their hands but assistant manager Richardson remains in a confident mood.

Richardson told the Daily Echo: “Speaking to Micky (Hubbard) about last week, we were unlucky. We should have taken something out of the game.

“Eventually, when you are doing the right sort of things, results turn for you. I think we will be okay.

“There will be points dropped by both teams. If I was going to bet, I would bet on us – 100 per cent.

“I am confident that while we will drop points, Kings Langley will drop more.”

With six games to play, Poole still have to face title challengers Met Police and Weymouth.

Despite the two tough tasks to come, Richardson backed the team to achieve their pre-season goal of a play-off finish.

“Honestly, I would bet on the players to do it – I am not just saying that for the paper, I just would not bet against us,” added Richardson.

“I fancy us to do it because I know the quality we have. I believe this team has what it takes to finish in the play-offs.”

On Saturday, Dolphins host Hendon at Black Gold Stadium (3pm) and are hoping to inflict revenge after falling to a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture back in September.

“We’ve had an up and down season,” said Richardson.

“We’ve had good times, we’ve had bad times but our lads are experienced.

“They know what it will take and they are ready for it. We have some fantastic players. Even the games we have been beaten in recently, we have played well.”

Luke Roberts could return from his latest injury setback for the Hendon clash.

Dolphins will be without captain Jamie Whisken after his dismissal in the defeat at Taunton last time out. He will also miss the trip to Farnborough on April 6.

“Hopefully, the lads who have been out will be back,” said Richardson.

“It is good timing and the players that are coming back now are champing at the bit, ready to go. Luke Roberts might be back, but we will see.”

Meanwhile, Poole strengthened their defensive ranks with the signing of Cherries left-back Tom Hanfrey. The 18-year-old joined on loan until the end of the season and could make his debut against Hendon.