TEAM boss Neil Middleditch admitted a 10-point deficit was “not ideal” for Pirates against Glasgow but insisted: “It’s a different game on Thursday.”

Poole succumbed to a 50-40 defeat against the Tigers at Ashfield on Tuesday, in the first leg of the SGB Championship play-off final.

But having not lost at Wimborne Road all season, Middleditch believes those in the skull and crossbones can pull an aggregate result out of the fire during the second leg in two days’ time.

Reflecting after the meeting north of the border, Middleditch said: “It’s not ideal. I said before, I didn’t want to lose by 10 but we have.

“I think we can do it. I think eight (points) would have been nice – that’s just two races.

“But it’s a final isn’t it? We have got the home leg now.

“It’s a different game on Thursday and hopefully we can just get that extra bit out and get the points back quickly.”

Pirates overcame the Tigers 56-34 on home shale in the regular league season earlier in the campaign.

But Middleditch was fully aware that result would be in the past, as Poole look to add to their Knockout Cup success with a league crown.

“I think you have got to put everything behind you now,” he added.

“This is the grand final – it brings out a different person in some riders and hopefully my boys can find that little bit extra.”