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SPEEDWAY 1)
KING’S Lynn return to action after nearly four weeks away from the Adrian Flux Arena when they host Swindon in the Elite League.The Stars have drafted in Swedish racer Freddie Lindgren to guest for the unavailable Niels-Kristian Iversen at No.1 while Aussie ace Troy Batchelor finally makes his long awaited return to the Lynn line-up after recovering from injury.King’s Lynn promoter Keith Chapman is anticipating a close contest after Swindon’s own recent run of results which currently sees them joint top of the league table.Said Chapman: “Swindon are a team in excellent form recently, so we are going to be in for a tough test as we return from a break of a few weeks since our last home meeting.“We’re pleased to see Troy back; he’s a top rider who we are very excited to have back with the club. He’s had a good bit of practice and is feeling good, so I’m sure he’ll get up to speed in no time and give us all a big boost.”Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “We should be taking heart from our recent performances, and we should be going to King’s Lynn looking to get something. “We certainly have to keep our feet on the ground, and with this group of riders I’m sure they’ll be taking nothing for granted. “It will be another tough meeting, but hopefully everyone can chip in and do their bit as they have done in recent weeks so we get another good result.”In the Travel Plus National League, Birmingham look to extend their advantage as they go up against in-form Belle Vue, who have won their last four matches.The Colts include Perry Barr track specialist Matt Williamson and up-and-coming sensation Dan Bewley - and home boss Graham Drury has described the clash as “one not to be missed.”Drury said: “For me, this is probably the most exciting meeting of the season so far because it’s going to be a great glimpse into the future of British Speedway.“Dan Bewley is the rider everyone is talking about now. He’s been a real ace in their pack at reserve of late and he’s a great little talent. But we’ve got four of our own teenage stars of the future and they’ll be desperate to prove that they’re the top teen to talk about on Wednesday.”Colts star Rob Shuttleworth said: “I don't think we’re going to have it all our own way all season. We've got a few tough matches coming up and Birmingham on Wednesday will I’m sure be one of the toughest.“They’re a solid outfit, and not top of the league for nothing! But I think we can give them a good run for their money and if we can get even a point away from home we’ll be happy with that.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
IPSWICH promoter Chris Louis insists his side can still mount a challenge for honours this season despite their disappointing start.The Witches have already made a team change with Oliver Greenwood set to replace Darryl Ritchings on Thursday, and Louis is backing his riders to come good with the backing of the supporters.He said: “You could say we are not getting results because we are not good enough, but look at the averages. They're all riding well below their averages and the team we put together was good enough, they're just not riding well enough at the moment.“It's the easiest thing in the world as a fan to walk away from a sinking ship so to speak, and I appreciate and understand that. “When riders are given support they can respond. I hope the fans stick with us and I understand their frustration, nobody feels it more than me. We need their support, they are vitally important if we are going to turn things around.”
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THE Isle of Wight have announced the signing of Joe Jacobs as a temporary replacement for broken scaphoid victim Benji Compton.Jacobs is set to make his debut for the Warriors in their home clash with is former club Mildenhall on Thursday, subject to BSPA approval.Isle of Wight boss Neil Vatcher said: “For us to be able to sign Joe is a major boost to the Warriors as we enter a busy time of the season in our quest to win some honours and we are sure that once he gets dialled in around the fast Smallbrook circuit, he will be a top class rider in this league. “Even though Joe is still only 22 years old, he has vast experience of the National League scene.”(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY MAY 18:ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Swindon 7.30, Poole v Leicester OFFTRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Belle Vue 7.30
THURSDAY MAY 19:ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v King’s Lynn 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Edinburgh 7.30, Sheffield v Rye House 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Redcar v Workington 7.30NATIONAL TROPHY: Isle of Wight v Mildenhall 7pm
FRIDAY MAY 20:ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Lakeside 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Somerset v Plymouth 7.30INTERMEDIATE CHALLENGE: Edinburgh v Belle Vue Colts 7.30
