Preview: Scunthorpe v Newcastle (rained off)

* Please note this fixture has now been rained off *

SCORPIONS OUT TO IMPRESS AGAIN

ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions are out to register a comfortable home victory for a second successive week when they entertain the Newcastle Diamonds at the Eddie Wright Raceway tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm.

Last week, Scorpions had little trouble in scoring a 54-36 victory over Oxford Cheetahs, with Simon Lambert scoring a brilliant full maximum, and promoter Rob Godfrey wants to see more of the same.

He said: “It was a wake-up call when we lost our previous home league match against Plymouth and everybody responded brilliantly against Oxford last week. We need to show that sort of performance again against Newcastle and collect another three league points.

“Despite the slightly lopsided scoreline against Oxford, there was some tremendous battles during the evening, right up until the final bend of Heat 15 when Zaine Kennedy saw off Scott Nicholls. When you look at the side that Newcastle are bringing tonight, I predict another night of terrific racing.”

Scorpions are without two riders – the injured Ryan Kinsley and the unavailable Jordan Palin.

Scorpions will also use rider replacement for 18-year-old Palin, who is riding for Great Britain in the semi-final of the FIM Europe Under-23 Team Championship in the Czech Republic this weekend.

Meanwhile, Kent’s Joe Alcock gets a chance to impress for Scorpions in a guest booking at No 6.

After a tough start to the season, Kinsley was starting to show some form against Oxford at the Eddie Wright Raceway last Friday, including a paid win in Heat 2, before engaging in a terrific battle with three-time British Champion Chris Harris in Heat 13.

But crashed at Mildenhall on Sunday and sustained shoulder injuries, that will rule him out for an, as yet, unspecified period of time.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Ryan had a good meeting against Oxford last week. He scored 4+1, but really deserved a lot more for his efforts than that.

“It’s such a shame for the lad that his weekend ended on a low note when he crashed at Mildenhall and suffered a bad shoulder injury. We still don’t know for sure how long Ryan is likely to be on the sidelines.

“Joe Alcock has been impressing in the National League for Kent this season, so we’ll giving him the first guest booking at No 6. This is a great opportunity for Joe to show what he can do at this level.”

For those unable to make it to the Eddie Wright Raceway, the meeting is being shown on the British Speedway Network at: https://watch.britishspeedway.co.uk

Expected teams for tonight (Friday):

Attis Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Ryan Douglas, 2. Rider replacement for Jordan Palin, 3. Zaine Kennedy, 4. Jake Allen, 5. Tero Aarnio, 6. Joe Alcock (guest), 7. Simon Lambert (captain).

Newcastle Diamonds: 1. Michael Palm Toft (guest), 2. Matthew Wethers, 3. James Wright, 4. Max Clegg, 5. Connor Mountain (guest), 6. Lee Complin, 7. George Congreve.

ADMISSION PRICES TONIGHT (FRIDAY):
Adult: £18.00
Student/OAP: £16.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult – not including programme)
Match Programme: £1.00

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.

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.