SWINDON SUPERMARINE manager Lee Spalding says he is not expecting a repeat of the 5-2 drubbing that his side gave Poole last month as they prepare to lock horns again on Saturday.

A perfect away performance gave Marine a comprehensive win last time the two sides met, yet since that Tuesday evening, Poole have gone five games unbeaten and are now five places and points ahead of Spalding’s men in sixth.

Conversely, Marine have only played twice since the reverse fixture – winning one before a surprise home defeat to struggling Frome – and head into Saturday’s contest fresh off the back of a weekend with no game.

Spalding admitted that he would have liked his players to have been afforded the opportunity to right their disappointing performance as quickly as possible, but the Marine manager did not knock the chance to recalibrate his side as he looks for a reaction following the Frome defeat.

He said: “It would have been nice to play last Saturday, but it’s been a good opportunity for us to get the lads in training. They’ve worked hard in every session and we’ve been working towards making sure we’re ready for the weekend.

“Poole are a good side and they’re five unbeaten since we turned them over, so it will be a really tough game. It’s a game where we’re looking for a reaction from the players on the back of the result against Frome and they’re obviously looking to extend their unbeaten run, so it will be a good competitive game.”

Spalding championed the performance of his side in Dorset, calling it one of their best performances of the season, but does not foresee a repeat result on Saturday.

He said: “We played really well at their place. A couple of the goals they conceded, they’ll be disappointed with – I’d be disappointed if it was us. But I thought on the night we were excellent and well worthy of our win.

“If we replicate that again on Saturday, then I’ll be absolutely delighted. Somehow, I don’t think it will be quite as comprehensive this time. They’re going to be really motivated to try and repay the favour, so it’s really important that we focus on what we can do.

“If we approach it properly, then there’s no reason at all that we can’t pick up three points.”