Poole Preview
Friday 31st January 2020
Lee Spalding gives his thoughts ahead his side’s clash with Poole Town
Swindon Supermarine manager Lee Spalding is perfectly aware of the threats upcoming opponents Poole Town possess and says a loss of focus could see his side slip up. Marine lost their 14-game unbeaten run at home to fellow promotion battlers Truro City last weekend, but the Webbswood Stadium outfit are still in a prime position to claim the Southern League Premier title.
Ryan Campbell scored the first of our goals in the 5-2 win at Poole last January
Match Photo’s © Jeff Youd Photography
Four points off the top, Marine are some eleven points clear of weekend opponents Poole, however, the Dorset side have four games in hand and could propel themselves right into the promotion frame with a run of victories. Spalding has therefore targeted three points this weekend in order to further secure one of the four playoff places that his side currently occupies. Marine are seven points above sixth-place Hayes & Yeading and could put considerable distance between the rest of the play-off chasers with a win.
Spalding said: “It will be another very tough game, Poole are a great side and have games in hand over teams at the top. “If they win those games, they’ll be right in the mix. “There’s a lot of football left to play, and at this stage of the season all you can do is focus on your next game. “I’m not really looking at how many points I want to finish on or where we could pick up wins down the line. It’s a case of focusing on the game ahead. “Last Saturday against Truro was disappointing, the goals we conceded were very disappointing. “But, there were at least positives to take from the game because we weren’t totally outplayed. “We just need to be a little more solid defensively.”
Conor McDonagh scored the second of our goals in the 5-2 win at Poole last January
Match Photo’s © Jeff Youd Photography
Following Marine’s untimely defeat to Truro, Spalding admitted his team missed the presence of key players such as George Dowling and Calvin Dinsley in the centre of midfield. Far from pinning the defeat on a lack of a few players, the Marine boss suggested the late changes to his side had an adverse effect – one that he does not want to see repeated on their travels this weekend. Spalding said: “When I look at the squad of players we’ve got, I can see we have a strong squad. “Football is a squad game, and we’re lucky to have the bunch of players that we do. “Sometimes, when key players are missing it makes things difficult.
“One player doesn’t make a difference, but we missed personnel last weekend and it did make things difficult. We want to react now this weekend. “I’ve had a good look at Poole and I’m keen to exploit their weaknesses. But that doesn’t hide the fact they’re a good side – they’ve come from National League South after all. “It’ll be a tricky test, but we’re at the right end of the table. A repeat of our excellent 5-2 win at Poole last season will be most welcomed!”
Mat Liddiard scored the third of our goals in the 5-2 win at Poole last January
Match Photo’s © Jeff Youd Photography
With Poole’s home game on Tuesday falling foul of the wet weather I suspect they will have to have an early inspection on Saturday morning so I would urge all our supporters that are thinking of travelling to the match independently, please check our social media sites on Saturday morning for an update. Weather permitting there will be a coach leaving the ground at 11am. If you want to book a seat on the coach please email.
Admission Prices & Other Info
ALL PAY AT THE TURNSTILE
Adults | £12
Concessions | £8
U18's | £5
Accompanied U13's | £1
Programme | £2
Car Parking | FREE
Road Directions
Follow A338 via Bournemouth or A3049 via Ferndown to Poole. From Southampton direction follow M27/A31. At Merley roundabouts follow A349 towards Poole. Do not go towards ferry port. When you reach the Fleetsbridge roundabout (Tesco on right) take the 4th road off roundabout Fleets Lane (between Staples & B&Q). Half a mile along Fleets Lane on the right is Poole Motor Cycles - Palmer Road is opposite. Turn left into Palmer Road, then right at mini roundabout into School Lane which leads into the car park. Pitch is on your right as you enter school car park.
