(SPEEDWAY 1 – TUESDAY REVIEW)
HOLDERS Cradley are through to the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup after a 59-33 home win over Mildenhall on Tuesday.The Heathens took a ten-point lead into the second leg of the tie and gave another dominant Monmore display led by Tom Perry with a four-ride maximum and Steve Worrall with 12+2, whilst battling efforts from Joe Jacobs and Josh Bates saw both Fen Tigers riders score 10+1.Earlier in their double-header, Cradley had defeated Scunthorpe 72-18 to extend their lead at the top of the National League table to five points.Heathens boss Will Pottinger said: “We can't fault any of the boys really - they did a good job in both meetings and did what they had to do. We're through to the next round of the Cup and have three more league points, so it was a good night at the office.”Scunthorpe manager Richard Hollingsworth said: “I’m happy with how it went, we ended up with just a point less than Buxton scored here. I would like to go on record to thank the Cradley supporters for giving our riders tremendous support. They applauded our efforts throughout the evening – they could see the lads were giving it their all and appreciated that.”(SPEEDWAY 2 – WEDNESDAY PREVIEW)
POOLE can consolidate their current position in the Elite League’s top four with a win over Birmingham at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.The Pirates are currently level points with Eastbourne and Coventry in third to fifth places but will climb above the Eagles with victory, although the Brummies did take a point on their last visit to Dorset.Promoter Matt Ford has slashed adult admission prices to £10 for the fixture, and said: “By offering reduced admissions I sincerely hope as many people as possible avail themselves of the lower prices and come along, support us and have a night at the speedway to remember. “I have said it before and make no apology for repeating it, we have the most exciting rider in the world riding for us in Darcy Ward and if you haven't had the chance to see him race live then let me remind you it is a sight to behold.”Birmingham will be without Bartosz Zmarzlik due to illness, whilst Josh Auty deputises for Daniel Nermark who is on the sidelines with a broken finger.Skipper Danny King said: “It's obviously a tough ask for us with two key riders ruled out but we have guys who can go well on that track.”Meanwhile Peterborough co-promoter Trevor Swales says maximum points are a must at the Showground tonight at the start of a hectic spell of Premier League racing.The Panthers host Sheffield before turning their attention to a three-day Northern tour taking in trips to Redcar, Edinburgh and Berwick.Swales said: “The one thing we cannot afford to do is take Sheffield lightly. They are very much like ourselves in that they are in a false league position due to the low number of meetings they have raced.“I’m actually expecting a classic meeting. Sheffield are used to performing on a big track so the Showground should hold no fears for their riders.”Sheffield boss Joe Screen said: “It must be frustrating for Steady (Simon Stead) right now because he’s riding well and we’ve had a chat about things. It’s down to the rest of the lads to give him some back-up, we can’t afford to keep being a one-man team so I’m looking for an improvement from the lads at Peterborough.”(SPEEDWAY 3)
IPSWICH co-promoter Chris Louis has announced he is standing down as team manager with Brian Messenger taking caretaker charge.Louis took his decision after a disappointing Northern tour for the Witches where they collected just one point from a possible twelve.He said: “We’ve reached a critical point of the season and I don’t feel that I’m getting the best out of our squad of riders. I more than anyone know exactly what they are all capable of and I think it’s important to maximise their chances of success this season. “It wasn’t any easy decision to make but I will have more time to spend with individuals that want my help and I’m sure I will be in a better frame of mind to be able to do just that without the responsibility of being team manager. “I’m confident that Brian Messenger will step in and do a great job as I have ridden under his management myself, his calm demeanour will be just what the boys need right now and I’m very grateful that he has accepted this caretaker role at such short notice. Of course I’m disappointed that it didn’t work out for me but at the same time I am confident that I have made the right decision.”(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY JUNE 25:ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Birmingham 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Peterborough v Sheffield 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 26:ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Eastbourne 7.30, Swindon v Coventry 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Rye House 7.30, Redcar v Peterborough 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Sheffield v Berwick 7.45
FRIDAY JUNE 27:PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Peterborough 7.30, Plymouth v Redcar 7.15, Scunthorpe v Newcastle 7.30, Somerset v Berwick 7.30TRAVEL PLUS TROPHY 2nd leg: Coventry v Cradley 7.30
