PIRATES co-promoter Danny Ford confirmed team manager Neil Middleditch will miss tomorrow’s Supporters’ cup clash at Ipswich (7.30pm) due to a “personal family issue”.

Somerset team boss Garry May is set to step in on a one-off basis to take on the role against the Witches at Foxhall.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “Middlo has a personal family issue which means he can’t make it for that meeting, unfortunately.

“Obviously it’s not ideal but we are very grateful to Garry for stepping up.

“He has been down to Poole for many years, so it’s good he is stepping up and coming in to replace Middlo.

“It will only be for one week and we will have Middlo back next week.”

Speaking ahead of the contest, Ipswich team boss Ritchie Hawkins told the Witches club website: “We have made a great start to the season, we need to keep the ball rolling and keep winning matches so that it becomes the norm.

“I think Poole have a very good side coming to our place and it will be a really tough meeting, probably the toughest we have had so far.

“We will need to be on top of our game, if we let our standards drop a bit they will beat us.”