Big Match Preview: Scunthorpe v Edinburgh

SCORPIONS AIM TO SECURE FINAL PLACE IN BSN SERIES

ELLIE ROSE TRAVEL Scunthorpe Scorpions will be looking to return to winning ways in the second leg of their BSN Series semi-final against the Edinburgh Monarchs at the Eddie Wright Raceway tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm.

Scorpions will start the meeting as strong favourites to reach the final against the Poole Pirates, since they won the away leg at Edinburgh on August 23 by 49-40.

But following back-to-back home defeats at Poole and Oxford, which put paid to their hopes in the Cab Direct Knockout Cup and Cab Direct Championship respectively, Scorpions are out for a positive result.

Michael Palm Toft is set to return to action for Scorpions, after missing Wednesday’s trip to Oxford in the second leg of the play-off semi-final with an aggravated knee injury.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “After our nine-point win in Scotland in the first leg, we should be confident that we can get through to the BSN Series final against Poole.

“But we’re not taking Edinburgh Monarchs for granted. They are coming to the Eddie Wright Raceway to do the same to us as we did to them at their place and, after our last two home results, we need to be on our guard.

“Monarchs have the Thompson twins, Dan and Joe, coming in as guests for the injured Kye Thomson and Justin Sedgmen and they track the newly-crowned Championship League Riders’ Champion Josh Pickering at No 1, so I’m sure they will give us a good match.

“We need a win to boost morale after our two home defeats.

“We fought hard at Oxford at Wednesday in the second leg of the play-off semi-final and we were ahead on the night for most of the meeting. That performance does gives us confidence to take on Poole again in the BSN Series Final if we get there.

“We must respect the fact that we’re not through yet, but if we do manage it, we have provisionally agreed dates with Pirates, with our home leg on Sunday, September 29 and the away leg on Wednesday, October 2.”

For those who cannot make it to the Eddie Wright Raceway, Scorpions are live streaming home meetings for just £11.99 at: https://tv.scunthorpe-speedway.com/

ADMISSION PRICES FOR TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Adult: £20.00

Student/OAP: £18.00

Child (0 – 16): Free (must be accompanied by paying adult)

Programme: £1.00

Car Parking free

Pay on the day at the turnstiles by cash or card.

Expected teams for tonight (Friday):

Ellie Rose Travel Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Michael Palm Toft, 2. Connor Mountain, 3. Simon Lambert (captain), 4. Jake Allen,  5. Kyle Howarth, 6. Nathan Ablitt, 7. Luke Harrison.

Edinburgh Monarchs: 1. Josh Pickering, 2. Joe Thompson (guest), 3. Lasse Fredriksen, 4. Paco Castagna, 5. Dan Thompson (guest), 6. Max James, 7. Connor Coles.