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SIMON Stead says the tag of spoiler suits him down to the ground going into Monday’s British Final at Belle Vue.The Sheffield skipper secured his only rostrum finish in the event ten years ago, when it was staged at the Aces’ former Kirkmanshulme Lane home, and is unconcerned by the fact that he is not racing in the Elite League this season.Stead said: “I don’t mind going under the radar but I’d love to be a spoiler. Third place is my best-ever finish and I’d love to have a great event this year because I don’t know how many more chances I’m going to have in this competition.“Being at the new National Stadium with such a wide, fast track, it really does open things up and I’m really excited to ride there for the first time.“I’ve seen pictures, I’ve seen videos and I’ve heard nothing but outstanding feedback from supporters and other riders.”
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PETERBOROUGH stormed back to the top of the Premier League with a terrific triumph against title rivals Glasgow last night.The Panthers recovered from an early six-point deficit to power to all three available league points with a 50-40 success in the latest East of England Showground thriller.Number one Craig Cook top-scored with a fine 14-point haul while guest Lasse Bjerre (12+1) and stand-in skipper Simon Lambert (11) both recorded double-figures hauls of their own. Richie Worrall and guest Kyle Howarth led the way for the Tigers in 10+1.Peterborough boss Jason Attwood said: “The meeting was every bit as tough and exciting as I expected it would be.“I did say beforehand that I would not be in the slightest bit surprised if it boiled down to a last-heat decider – and even though we had won the meeting in Heat 14 we still had a job to do in Heat 15 to ensure we didn't let Glasgow pick up a point.“It's great to be back on top of the table as it’s where we want to be. It was also nice to be able to beat another team in Glasgow who are going to be right up there throughout the season.”Glasgow boss Stewart Dickson said: “It was a great start, but a couple of decisions then went against us. However, they were the better team on the night.“There were some mixed performances over the two nights (Ipswich and Peterborough) but the boys all mucked in and I can't fault their efforts. I know one or two will be dissatisfied with their scores, but we win and lose together.”Meanwhile Edinburgh overcame Ipswich 52-39 although the Witches remained within striking distance for much of the meeting.Sam Masters scored a paid maximum (14+1) for the Monarchs, and his Heat 15 5-1 with Kevin Wolbert (12+1) ensured the visitors could not take a league point. Recent signing Ben Barker was top-scorer for the Witches with 9+1.Edinburgh boss Alex Harkess said: “That wasn’t a bad display and I think we saw that Mark Riss looks a good prospect who I think will do well in due course. Our reserves were more competitive so overall we are happy.”Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “We battled hard, every one of us, and you couldn't fault their effort but too many mistakes cost us the opportunity to take points out of the meeting.”Kent have one foot in the National League KO Cup semi-finals after an emphatic 56-34 win at injury-hit Coventry in their first leg.Guest Ben Wilson scored a 12-point maximum for the Kings with skipper Luke Bowen adding 14, whilst the Storm were limited to four race wins, No.1 Dan Greenwood top-scoring with ten.Coventry boss Laurence Rogers said: “We had no answer at all – being without Marty (Martin Knuckey) and Jamie (Halder), and rider replacement scored us five points.“I’ll give Henry Atkins his due, he battled his heart out and got his first point, but we’re just down on power and Kent are flying, they’re a strong side all the way through. It was just one of those meetings where there was no way of catching up.”
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BERWICK boss Scott Courtney says his side can build on their recent achievements with two more Premier League matches this weekend.The Bandits have moved into the top five ahead of their Shielfield Park clash with champions Edinburgh on Saturday, and they also visit second-placed Glasgow on Sunday.They have booked Simon Lambert to ride at No.6 in place of Romano Hummel, having received a 28-day facility after the Dutchman quit the club this week.Courtney said: “After a brilliant weekend away at Scunthorpe and Rye House, I am looking to keep up our current form this weekend at home to Edinburgh and also away to Glasgow on Sunday afternoon.”Rye House and Newcastle are level on points after six matches apiece as they prepare to clash at Hoddesdon.Rockets boss Peter Schroeck labelled last week’s draw with Berwick as a good advert for the sport, but is now looking for his side to add three points to their total.He said: “The match against Berwick was a real spectacle, which sucked everyone in - and not just the crowd - but although a draw was ultimately a fair result, we were very disappointed not to win.“But we put a really good meeting on for the sport as a whole, and the feedback since has been absolutely fabulous. That is an important builder for this week.“I think it will be another exciting meeting. The fans’ focus will be on Robert Lambert, but our focus will be on our team and what we do against them overall as a team.”Meanwhile Workington switch to an earlier start time of 6pm as they commence a run of three matches in four days with a home meeting against Scunthorpe.The Comets go into action without Rasmus Jensen due to a call-up for Denmark in the European Pairs Championship, and with no senior guest facility available Buxton’s Ryan Blacklock will step in, whilst Lewis Kerr makes his debut for the Scorpions.Workington owner Laura Morgan said: “We were well aware that a lot of our fans wanted to see the football so we made a decision to start our meeting one hour earlier to avoid a clash and give the majority of our supporters the chance to get home in time for the 8pm kick-off. “Obviously we will be hoping we can get through the meeting in good time and suffer no delays.”Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey said: “The signing of Lewis Kerr gives us some cause for optimism. Obviously the last few weeks have been very tough for us, and results have been a long way from what we have desired.“Lewis is a quality young British rider, so naturally he was being chased by a number of Premier League clubs the moment that he became available. I’m delighted to say that he chose to sign for us.”(FIXTURES)
SATURDAY JUNE 11:PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Edinburgh 7pm, Rye House v Newcastle 7pm, Workington v Scunthorpe 6pmBRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: King’s Lynn 12pm
SUNDAY JUNE 12:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Berwick 3pm, Newcastle v Workington 6.30, Scunthorpe v Edinburgh 6.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Isle of Wight 2.30, Buxton v Kent 6pm
MONDAY JUNE 13:BRITISH FINAL: Belle Vue 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Cradley v Buxton 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Rye House 6.30
