POOLE supremo Matt Ford is counting on the familiarity factor in his quest for the Dorset side to win their first league title in four years.

Ford's Pirates have finished top of the Sky Sports Elite League but face Ipswich in the sudden death one-off play-off semi-final, with Lakeside meeting Swindon in the other semi, running at the same time on Monday night.

And four of the Poole riders who started the season in their Double winning season are part of the 2008 set up.

Ford revealed: "Bjarne Pedersen, Magnus Zetterstrom and Daniel Davidsson played a defining role in winning us the play-off when we were last in the final, while Davey Watt would have been there, but broke his leg during that season.

"So there is the familiarity factor. Plus our experienced Pole Adam Skornicki rode for Wolverhampton against us in that meeting, so we know he'll be up for a different result this time!"

The Poole management are also aware that opponents Ipswich are one of only two sides to win at Wimborne Road in 2008.

Ford added: "No away team has ever won a one-off play-off semi-final in seven years of Elite competition, but having won by 10 points at our place earlier in the summer, Ipswich will fancy their chances.

"It's up to our side to make amends this time to clinch a place in the final against either Lakeside or Swindon. The team will be focused on Monday night.

"The side has put the club in this position and I'm pretty sure they will be in the zone!"

The Castle Cover Pirates management are also suggesting that a partisan home following on Monday night could be the difference in the club clinching a final place with Ford suggesting: "The more they roar, the more we score!"

He added: "I've always believed there is nothing to equal the atmosphere anywhere in world speedway when Wimborne Road is host to a capacity crowd. And the riders say they can hear the fans above the roar of the bikes.

"There's no question it's worth extra points to the team. I cannot emphasise enough to everyone in the town that here's an opportunity to get behind a team that is on the threshold of beating British speedway's cream.

"I feel that extra support on such a big night in a one-off semi-final with so much resting on the outcome - final or bust - could just be the clincher."

Teams :

Castle Cover Pirates : Chris Holder, Magnus Zetterstrom, Bjarne Pedersen, Adam Skornicki, Dave Watt, Freddie Eriksson, Daniel Davidsson.                Team Manager Neil Middleditch.

Ipswich Witches : Piotr Swiderski, Tobias Kroner, Jarek Hampel, Rovert Miskowiak, Rory Schlein, Steve Johnston, Chris Schramm.                     Team Manager :  Pete Simmons Club