POOLE Pirates are well aware of the task ahead of them in the second leg of the Championship grand final after losing by 14 points in the first meeting away in Glasgow, according to promoter Danny Ford and team boss Neil Middleditch.

A sloppy start in Scotland saw Pirates scramble to make up ground away at Ashfield, Glasgow Tigers ending up 52-38 winners.

Former Pirate Chris Harris led the way with a paid maximum, including two wins from the back after sluggish openers to his final heats.

Glasgow travel to the south coast on Wednesday night (7.30pm) with a healthy lead, but Pirates promoter Ford believes his side have what it takes to end the season as Championship winners for the third straight season.

Ford shared: “It’s going to be really tough.

“Ideally we wanted to keep it under ten, so 14 points is going to be a really interesting match.

“We know how strong we are at home, and Glasgow haven’t got the best track record at Poole, so I think we’re in for a hell of a meeting, and it’s one definitely not to miss.

“Glasgow deserved to win the meeting, they definitely deserve to be taking a lead into the second leg.

“We fought hard towards the end to limit it, but you can’t do anything against Bomber (Chris Harris) when he’s in that kind of mood – he could have beaten anybody in the world here tonight.”

With it all on the line, team boss Middleditch travelled with the side north of the border despite usually leading the septet for home meetings.

Middleditch commented: "It's a big advantage that they have but I don't believe it is insurmountable.

“It was looking a bit grim early doors I will admit, but the boys dug in and managed to get it back to 14.

“They all did their best, Glasgow came out fighting real strong and a few things didn't quite go our way, but hey, this is a grand final between two good sides and there is still a long way to go.

“We might be down, but we are far from out."