Scorpions head into Witches clash with renewed belief

FLUIDAIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions, supported by Henderson Insurance, head into their Premier League clash with the Ipswich Witches at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday evening (7.30pm) with a renewed sense of belief, following their stunning last-gasp 47-43 victory over the Peterborough Panthers last week.

For Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey, it’s been one thing after another this season, but he says the last few days since the Peterborough match have been “enjoyable”.

Godfrey reflects: “The victory over Peterborough was simply unbelievable. With three races to go, you would have said we didn’t stand a chance. It was against-all-odds to win it from that position. To win a meeting with three 5-1s in the last three races is just incredible.

“Earlier on, when Alex Davies shed a chain while out in front in Heat 9, that seemed so typical of our luck this year, and it did seem we were heading for another defeat.

“You couldn’t have scripted those final three races any better. It was almost like a moment of divine intervention – someone was looking down on us at that point.

“Those three races could well prove to be a defining moment in our season, and indeed a defining moment for Scunthorpe Speedway. The whole atmosphere around the stadium changed; our fans were going mental on the terraces.

“I want to thank everyone who came along to the meeting. I am very grateful. The size of the crowd was a big step in the right direction. I think every last person would have gone home happy, wanting to see more. I hope they also tell their mates how good it was, and we can push the attendance up further against Ipswich on Friday.”

Godfrey is the centre green presenter for Scorpions’ meetings at the Eddie Wright Raceway, so everyone could see the journey he went through at the conclusion of last week’s meeting.

“It was emotional”, he admits. “I’ve put my heart and soul into speedway here, and you get to what seems to be a point of no return, and suddenly something happens that gives you new hope. If we had lost again last week, it would be have so hard to raise spirits again. But suddenly there’s a new found momentum within the team, and a feeling we’re moving in the right direction again.”

Although the Scorpions are currently last in the Premier League, Godfrey believes that it leads to entertaining home meetings.

He explains: “Every match is tough when you’re bottom of the league, and it’s a battle to win meetings. But it’s perfect for the neutrals and indeed the Scorpions’ fans who like to see close racing.

“Peterborough was a fantastic meeting that went all the way, and there’s a good chance that our match against Ipswich, plus several other meetings left here this season, could go the same way. Combined with the fact we have such a good racetrack and that Josh Auty – who I refer to as Mr Entertainment – is back from injury, there are likely to be more brilliant meetings at the Eddie Wright Raceway before the season is out.

“At the same time, we’re determined that we do not want to finish bottom, and we’ll be fighting to move up the league table. Fingers crossed, we will have our own seven rides from now until the end of the season, because that will help us.

“This Friday against Ipswich, every Friday at the Eddie Wright Raceway, is going to be superb entertainment”, concludes Godfrey.