(SPEEDWAY 1)
KING’S LYNN boss Dale Allitt reckons getting off to a good start will be key against Swindon at the Adrian Flux Arena tonight (Wednesday).
The Stars have won their previous two SGB Premiership home fixtures – but have done it the hard way, recovering from early deficits to claim the points.
And with Swindon currently boasting the best away record in the top flight, Allitt is anticipating a close contest against a Robins side who bring in James Sarjeant at reserve to guest for the injured Dany Gappmaier.
Allitt said: “They’ll be wanting to hit back at us after our 48-45 win at their place the other week. To be fair to Swindon, they’re proving to be a decent side on the road this season with two wins and three defeats – but defeats from which they’ve claimed a consolation point.
“One thing I am keen to see from the side, hopefully starting on Wednesday, is for us to make lives a bit easier for ourselves!
“We’ve had to claw it back after falling behind early doors a couple of times already so it is something I would like to see the lads address.”
Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “We shouldn’t fear going to King’s Lynn. I know they beat us at home but we’ve been stronger away from home so far this season to be fair.
“It’s a good track and a fair track, it’s a bit like Swindon in that nobody has any real reservations about going there.
“We’ve had two good away performances at Belle Vue and Wolverhampton, so we’ll be going to King’s Lynn looking for another result.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
BELLE Vue Colts have the chance to extend their Travel Plus National League advantage when they face Buxton tonight (Wednesday).
The home side have hit the 60-point mark in each of their three home meetings so far, although the visitors arrive with plenty of top-end strength in former Colts rider Matt Williamson and recent signing Max Clegg.
Belle Vue skipper Lee Payne has been declared fit to race after x-rays confirmed no broken bones from a crash at Berwick last weekend, whilst rider-replacement is in operation for concussion victim Rob Shuttleworth.
Colts reserve Luke Woodhull said: “A few of their guys, like Tom Woolley and Matt Williamson, rode for Belle Vue last year and have a lot of experience of our track which they can share with the rest of their team so it’ll be interesting.
“But with the way we have been performing at home I’m confident we can deliver another big win and though Rob’s still out after his crash, the rest of us will step up and do what needs to be done.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
BIRMINGHAM skipper Darryl Ritchings has vowed to be fit for their huge home clash with Eastbourne next week.
The 22-year-old is struggling with a badly burnt leg sustained in a racing incident last week and was due to miss Bank Holiday Monday's fixture against the Isle of Wight.
Ritchings said: “I'll be honest, I was actually quite glad in one way when I saw it had been rained off. It was a good chance for the lads to carry their run on - but I was desperate to be a part of it.
“I slid off at Swindon last week and as I hit the ground, my knee pad moved and scraped my leg all across the ground. It's a really bad, irritating burn and it's some of the worst pain I've ever experienced!
“I need to let some fresh air get to it now because it's starting to scab but I'll do everything I can to make sure it's good for next week.
“It's going to be our biggest meeting of the season so far and it's going to take a full team effort to get the win.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY MAY 31:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Swindon 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Buxton 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 1:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Newcastle 7.30, Redcar v Glasgow 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP 2nd leg: Sheffield v Edinburgh 7.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Isle of Wight v Plymouth 7pm
FRIDAY JUNE 2:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Somerset v Belle Vue 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30
CHALLENGE: Plymouth v National League Select 7.15
