POOLE Town boss Tom Killick might not be in attendance as his side tomorrow bid to claim the Dorset Senior Cup but his influence certainly will be - according to assistant Taffy Richardson.

With Killick still serving a stadium ban, Richardson and first-team coach Micky Hubbard have stepped into the breach to try to steer Dolphins towards the Southern league South play-offs and a cup triumph.

Poole are attempting to win a fourth Senor Cup under Killick when they take on arch rivals Wimborne at Dorchester Town’s Avenue Stadium (7.45pm).

Richardson said: “Tom might not be able to contribute to the team on matchdays at the moment but he manages that team from afar during the week.

“He has meetings with players, meetings with the whole team and coaching staff and he is still a massive influence.

“It’s just like most workplaces – you might not see your boss every day but, when it is necessary, Tom is on top of it, ready to speak to anyone not doing their job or offering advice.

“He might not be there but he’s still sorting it out. The players have responded too – immediately after the game on Saturday, they were all focusing on winning the next match.”

With Poole chasing a top-five league finish and Wimborne looking to secure their Southern League South status, Richardson believes the cup showdown serves up an interesting prospect.

He added: “We’re still hunting the playoffs, while they’re definitely looking over their shoulders now.

“As a club, we’re here to pick up silverware and win promotion. We’re still in the hunt to do exactly that, so we will be going out to win the game.

“With five games left, every game is a priority for us to win.”

Club captain Jamie Whisken returns from suspension for Dolphins, while Jake Scrimshaw is an injury doubt. Luke Roberts is also likely to miss out.