Scunthorpe v Leicester: Big Match Preview

CLASSIC IN STORE AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions will face a tough test when they entertain league leaders Leicester Lions at the Eddie Wright Raceway tomorrow (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 Danny Ayres, who is ruled out of the rest of the season with a broken leg.

Meanwhile, Leicester are also missing one rider through injury – Richie Worrall. They have booked former Scorpion Jason Garrity as a guest, which is bound to add a bit of spice to proceedings.

Garrity rode for Scorpions at the start of the season, but he was replaced by Ben Barker while he was on the sidelines with a broken hand. Garrity recently scored 13+2 for his new side Birmingham at the EWR.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “Leicester have been top of the league table for nearly the whole season, and the meeting promises to be a belter.

“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.

“I can’t wait to see Scott in action against Josh Auty, who has been flying around the Eddie Wright Raceway in recent weeks.

“Lions have also got Ryan Douglas riding for them, who is still a hugely popular figure at Scunthorpe after his five-year spell with the club, while the return of Jason Garrity in a guest booking adds an intriguing extra dimension to the meeting as well.”

Lions are currently ten points clear at the top of the Championship, ahead of Glasgow, but this is their final regular league match, while their Scottish rivals have six meetings left.

Godfrey reflects: “Lions will be going all-out to win the meeting, as they need to keep ahead of Glasgow in the table to get choice of opponents in the play-offs, which can be so important.

“We’re expecting quite a few of their fans will want to come and cheer them on, in what is a key meeting for them.

“As for Scorpions, it goes without saying that we want to win, as we always do around our own track. We want to come as high as possible in the final league table.

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

“Both teams have changed a few personnel since then, so it’s going to be intriguing to see what effect that has on the meeting – I personally think we’re a bit stronger, especially with the way that Simon Lambert has been going at reserve around the EWR.

“Last time Leicester were here, it was a classic meeting, and this has all the hallmarks of being another thriller.”

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

Leicester Lions: 1. Jason Garrity (guest), 2. Ty Proctor, 3. Ellis Perks, 4.Scott Nicholls, 5. Ryan Douglas, 6. Joe Lawlor, 7. Connor Mountain.