(SPEEDWAY 1)
WOLVERHAMPTON promoter Chris Van Straaten admits he is surprised to be facing Elite League leaders Poole in the play-off semi-finals.The Pirates elected to face second-placed Wolves after previously indicating they would take on Peterborough, and it will be the first time in play-off history that the top two have met in the semis.
The first leg is at Monmore Green on Monday, with the other semi-final between Coventry and Peterborough being staged at the same time, starting at Brandon. The second legs take place on Monday September 20.Van Straaten said: "This has taken us by surprise and perhaps Poole view us as their best option because of our injury concerns."Even though we're the underdogs we will give it everything we've got to build up a handy lead from our home leg and I'm sure our fans will turn out in force to get right behind us. It promises to be a great night and our boys will be ready to make it hard for Poole."Every indication from Poole was that they were going to pick Lakeside, and if they didn't qualify, then Peterborough - that shows they're concerned about Wolverhampton. It should be some meeting."
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LEE Richardson will take over as captain of Lakeside for the remainder of the season as the Hammers switch their attentions to the Knockout Cup.Richardson has been appointed in order that former skipper Adam Shields can focus fully on his own form, with manager Jon Cook giving his backing to both Shields and Stuart Robson after a tough run of late.The Hammers were edged out of the top four in the final set of fixtures before the play-off cut-off, and making a strong defence of the Cup now becomes their priority.Cook said: "We need Adam back to form without any other distractions, and this will help. Lee is a more natural captain and is keen to play a bigger role at the club."Robbo is at a complete loss to explain his performances, and even the full-time help of an experienced mechanic has failed to turn things around.We have a fortnight to work with him to solve these problems."
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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11:
PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Stoke 7pm, Rye House v Newport 6pmNATIONAL LEAGUE: Rye House v Newport (follows PL fixture)BRITISH U15 CHAMPIONSHIP: Buxton OFF
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12:
PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v King's Lynn 4pm, Newcastle v Berwick 6.30, Stoke vRye House 3pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: King's Lynn v Bournemouth 7.30NATIONAL TROPHY: Newport v Plymouth 2.30BRITISH U15 CHAMPIONSHIP: Buxton 3pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13:
ELITE LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS 1st leg: Coventry v Peterborough 7.30,Wolverhampton v Poole 7.30SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14:
PREMIER LEAGUE: King's Lynn v Newcastle 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Dudley v Buxton (at Wolverhampton) 7.30SUMMER SPECTACULAR: Isle of Wight 7.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15:
PREMIER LEAGUE: Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30JOE THURLEY MEMORIAL: Birmingham 7.30
