Scunthorpe v Leicester preview *Rained off*

* PLEASE note that this meeting has now been rained off, and will be restaged on Friday, August 30th at 7.30pm *

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions will face a tough test to maintain their recent good home form when they face league leaders Leicester Lions at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday (7.30pm). The match is almost guaranteed to be one of the highlights of the season and is one not to be missed.

Scorpions will again use rider replacement for Stefan Nielsen, who is ruled out with his knee ligament injury. It is hoped that the Brit will be fit to return for the home meeting against Glasgow a week on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Leicester also have two riders ruled out through injury – Richie Worrall and Josh Bates. Lions have chosen their guest wisely in Kevin Doolan, who scored 15 points for Berwick a couple of weeks ago, while they will also use the rider replacement facility.

Scorpions’ record in their last three home meetings are victories over Sheffield (55-35), Eastbourne (54-35) and Berwick (56-34).

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Leicester have been top of the league table from the word go and when a side has a rider like seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls in their team, you know you’re in for a hard match.

“But we’ve already beaten Leicester at the Eddie Wright Raceway once this season in the Championship Shield in our opening fixture back in April.

“Both teams have changed a few personnel since then, but I think we’re stronger, as we didn’t have Danny Ayres, Simon Lambert or Ben Barker last time we beat them.

“But we definitely cannot under-estimate Leicester, who are top of the table for a reason, and it promises to be a belting night of some cracking speedway. Last time they were here, it was a classic meeting, and I think it’s highly likely to emulate that.”

The riders will be wearing black armbands this evening in memory of, and in tribute to, our former team manager Kenny Smith, who passed away 10 years ago earlier this month.

Scorpions will be holding their annual collection for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund, whose outstanding work can be of such huge assistance to those unfortunate riders who find themselves injured for any length of time. Sadly, injuries are inevitable in a dangerous sport like speedway, and fans are encouraged to dig deep for this most worthy of causes.

Admission prices for Friday:

Adult: £16.00
Student/OAP: £14.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £37 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for Friday:

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Rider replacement for Stefan Nielsen, 3. Danny Ayres, 4. Jake Allen (captain), 5. Ben Barker, 6. Ryan Kinsley, 7. Simon Lambert.

Leicester Lions: 1. Scott Nicholls, 2. Ellis Perks, 3. Kevin Doolan (guest), 4. Ryan Douglas, 5. Rider replacement for Richie Worrall, 6. Joe Lawlor, 7. Connor Mountain.