Scorpions search for cup boost

FLUIDAIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions, supported by Henderson Insurance, are looking to build up a lead they can defend, when they entertain the Newcastle Diamonds in the first leg of their first round Knockout Cup tie at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday (7.30pm).

The Scorpions have already defeated the Diamonds once this season, with a 53-37 victory at Scunthorpe on April 17. Two days later, the sides met at Brough Park, with Diamonds triumphant by 53-39.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “The two meetings against Newcastle in the cup could be ones to relish.

“When the two sides met in the League Cup earlier this season, we won by 92-90 on aggregate (it was 90-90 if you take out our tactical ride, which is not allowed in the cup). If the cup matches play out in a similar way, it could be mightily close.

“We will be looking to build up a decent lead on Friday, which we can defend in the second leg at Brough Park.

“We’ve not given up on either league or cup this season, and just one win could change around the whole fortunes of the team.”

* Team news later in week.