Scunthorpe v Leicester – Big Match preview
HOMECOMING FOR ADAM ELLIS, AS SCORPIONS FACE TOUGH TEST
ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions are hoping to make up for their one home blemish of the season, when they host reigning champions Leicester Lions at the Eddie Wright Raceway tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm. Meanwhile, the club will greet No 1 Adam Ellis back to Scunthorpe in his first home meeting since the 25-year-old won the British Championship.
Way back in May, Lions took a 52-38 victory at Scunthorpe in a Knockout Cup match, which took place on a very different track than normal, due to a heavy rain shower in early evening.
Since then, Scorpions have strung together a series of victories at the Eddie Wright Raceway. In nine previous league meetings at the EWR this season, Scorpions have won the lot, although one of those has been struck from the official records after the sad closure of Eastbourne.
Scorpions currently sit in fourth place in the battle for the top six places and a play-off place. While Scorpions have a little leeway, as they are seven points clear of seventh-placed Kent Kings, it’s much tighter for sixth-placed Lions, who are just a single point ahead of the South-East club.
For Scorpions, Jordan Palin is ruled out by a fracture to his collarbone, while Finnish star Tero Aarnio is currently unable to travel to the UK due to visa complications.
Rider replacement will cover Palin, while Connor Mountain will guest for Aarnio, after Ben Barker pulled out of the commitment. Mountain top scored with 10+1 for Newcastle earlier this season.
For Lions, Nick Morris is currently ruled out under the 9-day concussion rule and Aaron Summers will guest for him.
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey reveals: “The bad news about Jordan Palin’s collarbone injury is that he could well be out for longer than a couple of weeks. Things didn’t look good on the most recent X-ray he had on Wednesday. It shows that it is a break and it is misaligned.
“The one good thing is that skipper Simon Lambert has dropped to reserve, despite having increased his average from 5.03 at the start of the season to 5.81 now.
“I’m sure Simon will be getting his full seven rides a meeting, which means things are not as bad as they might have been.
“It’s going to be a great night of speedway between two teams going all out for the victory, while it’s the first opportunity for supporters to see Adam Ellis race around the Eddie Wright Raceway since he won the British Final – the biggest individual title ever won by a Scorpion.”
Expected teams for tonight (Friday):
Attis Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Adam Ellis, 2. Rider replacement for Jordan Palin, 3. Theo Pijper, 4. Connor Mountain (guest), 5. Thomas Jorgensen, 6. Josh MacDonald, 7. Simon Lambert (captain).
Leicester Lions: 1. Hans Andersen, 2. Dan Thompson, 3. Aaron Summers (guest), 4. Kyle Howarth, 5. Ryan Douglas, 6. Joe Thompson, 7. Zaine Kennedy.
* SCUNTHORPE Speedway will be holding its annual collection for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund during tonight’s meeting. The club would be delighted if supporters are able to help this most worthy of causes.
ADMISSION PRICES FOR TONIGHT (FRIDAY):
Adult: £17.00 (including programme)
Student/OAP: £15.00 (including programme)
Child (10 – 17): £5.00 (not including programme)
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult – not including programme)
Tickets can be obtained in advance online, or they can be purchased (cash only) on the day at the turnstiles.
There is a 3% handling fee for online sales – please note this handing fee goes to the ticketing provider, not the club.
Almost all our COVID restrictions have now been relaxed, although we will keep the same queueing system in the clubhouse, with entry via the small viewing area outside the clubhouse and the exit through the main entrance. Hand sanitiser will still be provided. Please respect others who still wish to practice social distancing and/or wear facemasks.
Tickets are available under the Ticket Office menu on the club website at:
http://scunthorpe-speedway.com/ticketoffice
When you click on the link you will be taken to the following URL:
https://scunthorpescorpionstickets.seatedly.com/
Click on the “buy tickets” tab which will take you a list of meetings and when you have finished, please click on “my basket” tab to complete the transaction.
NOTE REGARDING TICKETS: Please bring your ticket with you – either a physical copy or on your phone. The QR code (the matrix barcode) will be scanned to allow you entry to the stadium – please present to the staff at the entry point at the Eddie Wright Raceway. Please note there is a 3% handling fee for each ticket ordered – this goes to the ticketing provider, not the club. If you have any problems when ordering your tickets, please contact the club (email gail.godfrey@btconnect.com) and we will assist you. Please note that cash admission on the day is also available.
