Big match preview – Scunthorpe v Leicester
SCORPIONS INTEND TO GIVE EVERYTHING IN PLAY-OFF BID
ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions will be looking to upset the applecart against reigning champions Leicester Lions, when they commence their Championship play-off bid at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway tomorrow night (Friday) at 7.30pm.
The second leg of the quarter-final tie takes place at Leicester on Saturday, with the aggregate winners progressing to the semi-finals.
It’s the first time that Scunthorpe have reached the play-offs since 2014, and nine years since the Scorpions won them in 2012.
Scorpions have been hit by a triple blow. Tero Aarnio is still ruled out by his ongoing visa issues, while both Thomas Jorgensen and Theo Pijper have also both been forced to withdraw.
Jorgensen will face at least four weeks on the sidelines, after he sustained ligament damage to his knee, plus concussion, in a crash at Sheffield on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Pijper has had his licence suspended for 30 days, pending a Speedway Control Bureau court hearing over events that took place during a British Youth Championship round at Plymouth earlier this month.
Scunthorpe will use rider replacement for Jorgensen, with every Scorpion eligible to take an extra ride. Meanwhile, they bring in Kasper Andersen and Connor Mountain as guests. Pijper was due to drop to reserve for October, so Mountain will replace him in the No 7 berth.
It will be the first time that Jordan Palin will ride in the top five for Scorpions, but his performances at the EWR this season suggest he should be able to take that step up in his stride.
Scorpions’ promoter Rob Godfrey said: “It does feel that events have conspired against us in the last week at such a crucial time of the season, but we’re not beaten yet – not by any means.
“Both Kasper Andersen and Connor Mountain scored well in guest appearances at Scunthorpe in our final two regular league meetings, which is why we didn’t hesitant to book them again to ride against at the Eddie Wright Raceway against Leicester.
“Skipper Simon Lambert and the lads are really up for this. We need to be scoring points across the team – from No 1 Adam Ellis, down to Josh MacDonald and Connor Mountain at reserve. Leicester have lost both their last two meetings, and that will have shaken the confidence that they seemed to be building up before that.
“We’ve waited seven years to get back into the play-offs and we don’t want for it to be over after just two meetings. We obviously we want to get past Leicester and into the semi-finals and from there into the final, and the fans can make a big difference to coming along to the EWR and getting right behind the boys.
“It’s going to be an absolute brilliant night of speedway. The meetings at this end of the season have so much hanging on them. We’ve had some great moments in play-off meetings in the past and the lads will be going all out to give the fans some new memories to treasure.”
Online tickets are already on sale via the club website, but there is no restriction to the numbers who can pay at the gate on the night. Supporters are urged to arrive in good time, since a large crowd is expected.
Expected teams for tomorrow (Friday):
Attis Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Adam Ellis, 2. Simon Lambert (captain), 3. Jordan Palin, 4. Kasper Andersen (guest), Rider replacement for Thomas Jorgensen, 6. Josh MacDonald, 7. Connor Mountain (guest).
Leicester Lions: 1. Nick Morris, 2. Kyle Howarth, 3. Ryan Douglas, 4. Rider replacement for Dan Thompson, 5. Hans Andersen, 6. Joe Thompson, 7. Zaine Kennedy.
ADMISSION PRICES TOMORROW (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.
