TOM Killick urged his Poole Town charges to show strength in a bid to rectify their Southern League South title credentials.

Despite becoming one of the early pacesetters, Killick’s squad have slipped down the table after multiple postponements and defeats to promotion rivals Taunton and Chesham.

Speaking before their home clash with Salisbury tomorrow (7.45pm), the Dolphins boss told the Daily Echo: “After two games where we have gone toe-to-toe with teams, we can’t afford to fall the wrong side of a defeat again.

“Every defeat leaves a mark – it has to, because if it doesn’t there is something wrong. Certainly, every defeat leaves a bit of a scar but you have to try to be resilient enough and strong enough.

“We’ve had the time since the Chesham game to move past the hurt and get a more positive outlook on things before this game.

“We’re falling slightly short. Games are coming thick and fast, so we can’t dwell too much but we have to regroup and be as strong as we can be on Tuesday.”

Salisbury, a point and a place above Dolphins, also harbour promotion hopes - meaning the contest becomes even more vital in Poole’s assault on the higher reaches.

“It’s a tough stage of the season,” added Killick.

“Perhaps it’s been exaggerated by the postponements but you always look at the fixtures and you can always pick little runs of tough opponents in a row.

“We’re in one at the moment and you can’t feel sorry for yourselves. You have to get results from these games and get points against some of your rivals.”