SAM Poole is delighted to be back in action after over a month on the sidelines with a groin injury.

The defender returned for the Terras in last weekend’s 3-1 victory at Banbury United and is expected to feature again this afternoon against Hitchin Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm).

Speaking to Echosport, Poole said: “Being out for any length of time is frustrating but when results are not going your side’s way it is even worse because all you want to do is be out there helping out.

“That is why Banbury was so fantastic. It was a massive result for us and the buzz afterwards was excellent. After making a few little changes at half-time we looked solid and hopefully that can continue today.

“Hitchin are going to be another big, physical side and we know we will need to match that before we can start playing. If we do that, I am sure the quality we have in the team will shine through.”

Poole has also hailed the recent addition of Ed Palmer and the efforts of physio Emma Tonkin. He added: “Ed is a great player and a great athlete. He knows this league inside-out and hopefully we can get a good partnership going in the centre of the defence.

“As for Emma, she has been great during my recovery and I would like to say a huge thank you to her because she does not always get the credit she deserves.”