DANNY Ford insists Pirates have their eyes firmly focused on the summit of SGB Premiership and admits: “We expect nothing less.”

Poole are well-placed level on points with leaders Swindon heading into the final month of the regular season.

And with a meeting in hand over Robins, the Dorset side are in control of their top-spot ambitions.

The quest for control of a play-off semi-final opponent continues tonight against Wolverhampton at Wimborne Road (7.30pm).

An impressive 47-43 win at rivals Ipswich last week included a six-point haul for Thomas H Jonasson in his first appearance back in the skull and crossbones.

Pirates now need one victory from their four remaining meetings to extend their season into the play-offs but co-promoter Ford is aiming for more.

He told the Daily Echo: “We have three home meetings and one away, we expect to win all of those home meetings.

“We need to make Wimborne Road a bit of a fortress going into the play-offs. If Thomas can provide some much-needed points that we know he is capable of doing and if he can become comfortable on the track, he will be vital for us going into the play-offs.

“We really want to push to get top. Swindon’s form is out of this world, so we know any slip ups and they will be right there.

“Top spot is what we are aiming for – we expect nothing less.

“The tactical advantage of choosing our opponents would be absolutely fantastic and then being able to choose the home and away leg could play a massive part in the play-offs.”

With Josh Grajczonek due to return from a hip injury which ruled him out at Foxhall, Pirates are set to name a full one-to-seven without rider replacement or guests for the first time since their June trip to Wolves.

Jonasson last week was drafted in for the injured Richie Worrall, with Nico Covatti stepping up to ride at number two.

Discussing the benefits of having a full septet available, Ford said: “It makes a massive difference.

“The boys did an absolutely fantastic job covering in the rider replacement role but having a full one-to-seven means if one of the boys is having an off day for whatever reason, you can cover for that.

“When you only have six riders it puts a lot of pressure on the team.

“We had a bit of a dip a few weeks ago when we were still looking for a replacement (for Worrall) but we got a brilliant result against Ipswich last week.

“Thomas came in and struggled in his first couple of heats but then got a win.

“The boys all get on well and we have a really good team atmosphere this season.

“Being able to bring Thomas in is great and he just seems to have jumped straight in.

“The team spirit appears to be at an all-time high at the moment.”