TAFFY Richardson described as “different class” Poole Town’s recent performances - but insisted they must not let standards drop with work to do to finish in a play-off spot.

Saturday's game against Basingstoke at Black Gold Stadium (3pm) is set to be the final time Richardson will take charge, with Tom Killick due back from his stadium ban for Dolphins’ final three fixtures.

However, whoever is in the dug-out, the assistant manager is confident the side can sneak their way into Southern League South’s top five.

Buoyed by Tuesday’s victory against rivals Wimborne in the Dorset Senior Cup final, Richardson backed Poole to deliver another strong performance.

Richardson told the Daily Echo: “If the players stay focused and keep on playing like they are, we have a great chance of going on a good run.

“We just have to keep it going. If we stop for even half a game, it could be the end of our season. Every game should be like the Wimborne game.”

“If we do that, I think we will make it, and after that, who knows?”

Richardson and coach Micky Hubbard have overseen Poole’s matchday operations in recent weeks, starting with last month’s 5-1 defeat at Chesham.

However, Dolphins remained in play-off contention with victories over Merthyr and Farnborough either side of losses against Taunton and Hendon. With four games left and a three-point deficit to make up, Poole could need 12 points to claim a play-off berth.

Discussing recent performances, Richardson said: “What we’ve been working on is to keep playing the ball in the right areas – by doing that we make chances to score.

“What we’re doing at the moment is decent. Last time out, the work-rate from the players was unbelievable, both on and off the ball. We got it forward quickly and we never thought about sitting back – it was about scoring more goals.

“Sometimes that doesn’t work, but it paid off against Wimborne.

“The players have been different class. They have been much-improved since the defeat against Hendon. After that game, all the players took it on themselves to improve. They’ve responded so well and done everything they need to do.”

Luke Roberts made a return from injury against Wimborne but remains a doubt for the Basingstoke clash, while Adam Grange and Jake Scrimshaw are also injury concerns.

“The plan was always to play Luke for 45 minutes against Wimborne,” said Richardson “No matter the scoreline, he was going to come off at the break, to nurse him back to match fitness.

“Adam Grange pulled something in the warm-up, so we’re not sure about him. Jake Scrimshaw is also a doubt – he needed stitching for a cut to his eye and he also suffered from concussion.”