All systems go for 2015!

FLUIDAIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions, supported by Henderson Insurance, commence their 2015 season tonight (Thursday), with a visit to local rivals Sheffield Tigers in a League Cup fixture (start-time 7.30pm).

The Scorpions have a remarkable recent record at Sheffield, having won their last five meetings at Owlerton:

August 22, 2013: Sheffield 44 Scunthorpe 46 (Premier League)
September 26, 2013: Sheffield 36 Scunthorpe 42 (Retro Cup)
April 10, 2014: Sheffield 41 Scunthorpe 53 (League Cup)
May 15, 2014: Sheffield 41 Scunthorpe 49 (Premier League)
June 12, 2014: Sheffield 41 Scunthorpe 49 (Premier League)

However, Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey (pictured) insists that a point, for a loss of six or less points, is a realistic target for tonight’s meeting.

Godfrey says: “I’m pretty optimistic that we can get something out of this meeting. Of course, we head into every meeting trying to win it.

“But I’m well aware that, this season, we don’t have as many Owlerton specialists in our line-up, and therefore we might not turn over Sheffield every time at their place, as we have done for the last couple of years.

“I’ve always said I want to see both Scunthorpe and Sheffield with good sides, because a strong Sheffield helps out Scunthorpe because it means they’ll bring a lot of fans to our place, and the same vice versa.

“I’m not too bothered about winning at Sheffield every time. What’s more important is that I believe we have a side that can win our home meetings, and pick up points away, on tracks of all shapes and sizes. If we can do that, then we’ll have a successful season.”

Godfrey is expecting an unpredictable night of speedway ahead.

“It’s early doors, so anything can happen”, he explains. “It always takes a few weeks for everything to settle down.

“Most of our riders have had a competitive meeting or two so far this season. Some will hit the ground running, others may struggle a bit. It will be the same with the Sheffield lads.

“We’d like to come out of the meeting with an away point. Anything more will be a welcome bonus”, Godfrey concludes.

Tonight’s line-ups:

Sheffield Tigers: 1. Simon Stead, 2. Andre Compton, 3. Ashley Birks, 4. Ty Proctor, 5. David Bellego, 6. Josh Bates, 7. Arthur Sissis.

FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions, supported by Henderson Insurance: 1. David Howe, 2. Theo Pijper, 3. Alex Davies, 4. Carl Wilkinson, 5. Josh Auty, 6. Ellis Perks, 7. Nike Lunna.

* The first home meeting of the season takes place at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Easter Monday, April 6 (start-time 3pm):
Scunthorpe Scorpions vs Sheffield Tigers (League Cup)
Followed by Scunthorpe Stags vs Buxton Hitmen (National League Challenge)
Put the date in your diary, now!