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LAKESIDE newcomer Sebastian Ulamek’s first appearance for the club has been brought forward to the Hammers’ home clash with Coventry on Friday. And the Purfleet side have also handed a team place to 17-year-old Adam Ellis, with Kim Nilsson and Robert Mear making way – although co-promoter Jon Cook has stressed they remain in the club’s plans for the future. Cook said: “Seb is very keen to get started, as are we, and as he was travelling in this week anyway it seemed silly not to get him started straight away. “Having looked at our options we really felt that the chance for our fans to see Adam in action was too good to miss. Whether it proves a brief cameo or for the rest of the season will depend on how he handles the step up but he is mad keen to give it a go and we are more than happy to fast-track him.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams was in philosophical mood after the Elite League leaders were edged out in a terrific local derby at Birmingham on Wednesday. The Brummies won the meeting 46-44 with another bumper haul from reserve Martin Smolinski (14+3), but a last-heat 5-1 from Tai Woffinden and maximum man Freddie Lindgren ensured Wolves left with a point. Adams said: “Obviously you can't win them all. Given the strength of Birmingham and the form they've been in, that's what we came looking for and that's what we got. “It's frustrating obviously after coming so close to winning, but if we can now take three-points against them at home on Monday it will be a job well done.”
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LEICESTER co-promoter Alan Jones says his side will not under-estimate the challenge posed by Plymouth in home and away matches this weekend. The Lions advanced to third place in the Premier League table with wins over Workington and Glasgow last week, and now take on a Devils side who have lost all three of their league outings so far. Jones said: “The Plymouth promotion has assembled a team that we thought would be a surprise package this year with plenty of experience and a dash of youth. “Why it has not worked out for them so far is a mystery, but we will not under-estimate their capability especially around their own circuit where they have a very good record.”
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MILDENHALL have taken the decision to rest teenage reserve Nathan Stoneman with immediate effect. His place with the reigning National League champions will be taken by Ryan Terry-Daly, who was part of the Fen Tigers’ team last season. Chairman Kevin Jolly said: “This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in all my years in speedway. We just feel that Nathan needs a rest from racing so that he can go and practise and get plenty of laps in to build his confidence again after coming back from his broken leg. “Ryan looked impressive in practise at West Row on Sunday and is gating much better than last year. We’ve heard that he’s been making progress in New Zealand over the winter so I am sure he’ll take this opportunity to show us what he can do.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
DANNY Stoneman is targeting a rapid return to the Isle of Wight team having suffered a shoulder injury in the Islanders’ clash with Mildenhall on Tuesday. Stoneman came to grief in Heat 8 when attempting to take avoiding action to an incident in front of him, and he has now had X-rays at his local hospital in Exeter. He said: “I'm in a lot of pain as my shoulder was dislocated in the crash and successfully put back in place there and then by the paramedic. “I have broken/cracked the collarbone just where it connects to the joint. Now I have to see a specialist in a week's time so he can let me know exactly how bad the break is. Unfortunately I won't be riding next Tuesday but I'm looking to come over to support the lads.”
(FIXTURES)THURSDAY MAY 23: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Birmingham 7.30 LEAGUE CUP: Ipswich v Plymouth 7.30 OZCHEM TROPHY: Sheffield v Dudley 7.45FRIDAY MAY 24: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Lakeside v Coventry 8pm PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Scunthorpe 7.30, Plymouth v Leicester 7.15SATURDAY MAY 25: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Swindon 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Leicester v Plymouth 7.30, Workington v Glasgow 7pm NATIONAL TROPHY: Stoke v Mildenhall 7pmSUNDAY MAY 26: PREMIER LEAGUE: Newcastle v Scunthorpe 6.30 LEAGUE CUP: Glasgow v Edinburgh 3pm, Rye House v Plymouth 4pm NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Mildenhall v Coventry 4.30 NATIONAL TROPHY: Buxton v Kent 3pm
