The Dolphins travel to Privett Park off the back of an emphatic 5-0 victory over Yate Town last Saturday, whilst the Boro’ squad have to pick themselves up after a dominant game away against Truro City was overshadowed by an injury-time penalty, ultimately concluding in a 1-0 loss.

Shaun Gale previews the Wednesday night fixture by relaying that regardless of Poole’s recent big win, it was always going to be a difficult match.

“We knew even before Saturday’s game [against Yate Town] that it would be a tough game - Poole at home or Poole away, they’re all tough games.

Gale adds: “Poole are a very good side, they’ve got some very good players, some very experienced players. They’ve got a few youngsters in their side, but they do also have quite a lot of experience in there, with players who played at a high level.

“I know Wes Fogden very well; Tony Lee who’s just been on loan at Farnborough and came back; Toby Holmes up top. They’ve got Will Spetch and Jamie Whisken at the back who are experienced. Corby Moore as well - they’ve got a wealth of experience. They’ve got Jake Andrews on loan from Havant & Waterlooville, too.

Shaun Gale has had the tough job of raising back the morale of his squad after last-minute heartbreak against Truro in Plymouth last Saturday, and insists positives are to be taken into the next fixture despite the loss.

“If we perform how we did on Saturday, and we can start taking our chances…then we’ll be giving teams a tough time.

“We played very well at Truro, just didn’t get the result because of the decision against us.

“Also we’re at home, and touch-wood, we’ve been decent at home this year, and long may that continue.

So far, Boro’s home form in the league is at 100%, winning all three matches played at Privett Park this campaign.

Fitness update

Shaun Gale also provides a fitness update ahead of the fixture.

“Matt Briggs has come back into the squad…he’s only trained once, so it’s just whether we will take that risk to throw him back in again.

“Abdulai Baggie is in a better place, he had a really sore ankle at the weekend hence why I didn’t use him. He will be available - even though he was on the bench on Saturday, he didn’t play because he was carrying an injury and we didn’t want to take the risk.

Gale also confirms returns to the squad for Dan Wooden and Finn Walsh-Smith, but puts doubt over the involvement of Bradley Tarbuck, who we saw come off in the second half of the match against Truro.

Goalkeeper Pat O’Flaherty also remains sidelined after a knock to the head away at Paulton Rovers last week, although Gale assures his number one choice goalkeeper is well on the way to full recovery.

“He’s getting better, he’s improving, but obviously he can’t play at the moment. He had a nasty cut, so he’s got to wait for that to heal.

As a reminder for fans, Rory Williams’ one-match ban for his two yellow cards against Truro City will come into effect on Saturday against North Leigh, meaning the skipper is available for selection on Wednesday night.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets for the match online as soon as possible at the link below. Match tickets can also be purchased at the gate on the evening.

Tickets

For those fans who can’t make it to the AEI Stadium on Wednesday evening, a running text commentary of key events will be available on our Twitter Page.