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LAKESIDE are gearing up for a mouth-watering top of the table clash as they host high-flying Wolverhampton at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Wednesday.The Hammers have been in dominant form on home shale but are anticipating a major challenge as they welcome a Wolves side who have themselves enjoyed an impressive start to the season.Both sides are at full strength with Lakeside having enjoyed home and away wins over Leicester last weekend, whilst Wolves defeated King’s Lynn at Monmore.Lakeside star Edward Kennett said: “It’s been a good start to the season and there is a good team spirit within the side. We’re looking very strong at home, and if we can just pick up a few more points away then we’ll be in a good position to make the top four.“We’ve got a tough one coming up on Wednesday against Wolverhampton. I think it’ll be difficult, because they have a lot of good riders.”Wolves skipper Fredrik Lindgren said: “It’s going to be really tough at Lakeside but it’s a challenge we are looking forward to.“They’re a very strong team, especially at home, and it can be a really hard place to go to as an away team. But we’re ready for anything with our own team this year; everyone is showing plenty of positive signs and we’re in a strong position.”Meanwhile Poole host Swindon at Wimborne Road two days after taking their first away win of the season against the Robins.That victory did come at a cost with Adam Ellis now on the sidelines with a broken collarbone, but Steve Worrall steps in after impressing against the Pirates last week.Poole promoter Matt Ford said: “There were some positive signs from the team on Monday and I was really pleased to see that. I think they would agree that as a unit they are presently lacking from the consistency that as individuals you would expect them to be capable of.“To bounce back from that home defeat and win at Swindon, even though we had to sweat it out, was good to see and I am sure that the lads will be wanting to take the positives from that in to the re-match on Wednesday.”Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “It was a shame to lose on Bank Holiday Monday in what we always knew was going to be a close meeting, but we’re not going to let that result ruin a promising run for us.“I had a team talk with the riders straight after the meeting, and I want them to keep their heads up when we go to Poole, where we are capable of getting something.”In the Travel Plus National League, Birmingham host Eastbourne in the first 2016 clash between last season’s top two clubs.With Tom Perry and Tom Bacon on the sidelines, the Brummies bring in Danny Ayres to guest for Perry with rider-replacement also in operation. The Eagles use Matt Williamson for Adam Ellis, with rider-replacement covering Gary Cottham.Birmingham boss Graham Drury said: “When we were reduced to just five riders against Rye House last Wednesday, the fans responded superbly and made so much noise – it was unbelievable.“We want more of the same this week because it really does push the boys on so much. It’s going to be one hell of a speedway meeting and we’re going to have to be at our brilliant best once again to pick up three more league points.”(SPEEDWAY 2)
EASTBOURNE director Connor Dugard has taken over as team manager of the Eagles.Dugard replaces Glenn Martin after a successful trial weekend in charge which saw the Arlington side defeat Cradley at home and then win at Rye House.Dugard said: “Firstly I'd like everyone to be aware that there are no hard feelings between the club and Glenn. Unfortunately things haven't really panned out this year but we feel we have hit a turning point in our season. “I built the team in the off-season and most of the team changes and guests I organise, obviously with the input from dad and club sponsor Paul Goldsmith.“We'd all like to thank Glenn for his input with the club and a triumphant 2015 season. However, we felt something had to change and we think we may have found that now. Glenn knows he's more than welcome at Arlington and he will always remain a family friend.”
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WEDNESDAY JUNE 1:ELITE LEAGUE: Lakeside v Wolverhampton 7.30, Poole v Swindon 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Eastbourne 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 2:ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Wolverhampton 7.30, Swindon v Leicester 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Sheffield v Workington 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Redcar v Newcastle 7.30CHALLENGE: Isle of Wight v Weymouth 7pm
FRIDAY JUNE 3:PREMIER LEAGUE: Scunthorpe v Berwick 7.30, Somerset v Redcar 7.30RYAN FISHER TESTIMONIAL: Edinburgh 7.30
