(SPEEDWAY 1)WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams accepts that Poole are hot favourites to reach the Elite League Grand Final when the sides meet at Wimborne Road on Monday.The semi-final has become effectively a one-off tie after the two sides drew at Monmore Green last week, and the Pirates have a faultless home record so far this season.Adams said: "Whilst it was disappointing not to beat them at home, at least we got a draw and we start level down there. They will still feel a bit nervous about things, because they know all the expectation is on their shoulders."We're massive underdogs now going into this meeting and that's fine with me, we will go there and do our very best and see what we can achieve."

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COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter says his side will be firmly focused on their job when they travel to Peterborough in Monday's Elite League semi-final.The Bees take a 14-point lead to the Showground courtesy of three late 5-1s at Brandon, but Rossiter says the tie is still far from over.He said: "It's still going to be a very difficult meeting. They will be fired up to hit back at us, and we have to be ready for that."We've got to make sure we keep focused and keep it close. We won there last time so there are no fears there, and it's a massive incentive to get to the Final and be part of two huge meetings with two bumper crowds. It's all in our own hands."(SPEEDWAY 3)STOKE have qualified for the end-of-season Young Shield competition despite seeing their final Premier League match of the season rained-off.The Potters were unable to take on Newport, but rivals Glasgow's defeat at Rye House ensured the Tigers can no longer overhaul them and move into the top twelve.Stoke boss Malcolm Vasey said: "If ever a team that has fought against adversity this season it has been us and I'm delighted for everyone connected with the club that we have qualified."The lads really deserved to go through after last weekends performances at Berwick and against Rye House and I'm really pleased for them.

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POOLE promoter Matt Ford is warning against complacency as the Pirates face effectively a one-legged semi-final against Wolverhampton.The Elite League favourites drew the away leg at Monmore Green last week and therefore need to maintain their perfect home record to reach the Final.Ford said: "Many people believe we have one foot in the Final after our draw last Monday away from home. But I'm taking nothing for granted. "Swindon were big favourites to land the Elite League crown this time last year but were blown away in the final by a Wolves team who raised their game when it mattered. We know just how capable they are."It's going to come down to the team making home advantage pay and I believe the secret weapon is the supporters. I want the rest of speedway to see the transmission going out live on Sky Sports just what sort of meeting atmosphere and crescendo we can produce."

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PETERBOROUGH boss Trevor Swales says patience could be the key for his side as they look to overturn a 14-point deficit against Coventry.Swales has pointed to the Bees' run of three 5-1s in the last three races at Brandon last week as proof of how meetings can turn in the closing stages.He said: "It's not the score after five races that matters - it's what happens after the 15th and last heat."Obviously we would all love to make a flying start and nothing would be more pleasing than to wipe out the deficit after half a dozen races, but it's not the end of the world if we are still all square beyond the midway stage."Our fans can help by being patient as well - their uneasiness easily transmits itself to the riders and that's the last thing we want."

(SPEEDWAY 6)PREMIER League Champions Edinburgh have elected to face Sheffield in the semi-finals of the promotion play-offs.The Monarchs' choice means the other semi will be contested between Newcastle and Birmingham, who also have an impending meeting in the Knockout Cup.Club chairman Alex Harkess said: "As the top team in the league we could choose any one of the other teams in the top four. All had their attractions as we've beaten Birmingham, Newcastle and Sheffield at home and away this year. "However, we feel that we have the best chance of building a big home total against the Tigers. We're not taking anything for granted. Teams reaching the top four in the league have got there on merit and we'll give the Tigers the respect they deserve." (FIXTURES) MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20:ELITE LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS 2nd leg: Peterborough v Coventry 7.30, Poole v Wolverhampton 7.30 SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Newcastle v King's Lynn 7.30TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 21:NATIONAL TROPHY: Isle of Wight v Newport 7.30WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Dudley v Weymouth (at Birmingham) 7.30"