Cracking local derby ahead

NEW LOOK Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions are involved in what promises to be a humdinger of a local derby with Sheffield Tigers at the Eddie Wright Raceway in Normanby Road later today (Sunday) at 6.30pm.

This meeting sees the seasonal debut for two Danes in Scorpions’ colours, Michael Palm Toft and Andreas Lyager, in a revised line-up for Scunthorpe, with Zdenek Holub and Ashley Morris making way.

Palm Toft, previously a Scunthorpe rider from 2011 to 2013, was an integral part of Scorpions’ championship winning side in 2012, while 18-year-old Lyager made four appearances for the club in late 2015.

Scorpions are without reserve Carl Wilkinson, who has been ruled out of action with a badly swollen wrist, after a crash at Swindon on Thursday.

But Scorpions have brought in a potential trump card to replace Wilkinson, in the shape of Stefan Nielsen. Ex-Scunthorpe rider Nielsen defeated Ryan Douglas twice while riding for Plymouth at the EWR a few weeks ago.

Scorpions are on the trail of Premier League points, and will be looking to overcome Sheffield, who have already recorded a 50-43 League Cup win at Scunthorpe this season.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “Of course, it’s a blow to be without Wilko, but I believe we’ve booked the very best guest available in Stefan Nielsen. He’s been in fine form for Plymouth recently and I believe he can do the job.

“The Sheffield side contains a number of riders who are track specialists around the Eddie Wright Raceway, and the meeting is just about as tough as they come in terms of a home meeting for us.

“But we are capable enough of winning the meeting. And if we beat Sheffield around our place, then we can beat anyone.

“One thing that almost seems certain is that there will be some cracking racing. I hope the fans come along and really get behind our boys. We really want those three points.”

Admission prices for this evening:

Adult: £15.00
Student/OAP: £13.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £35 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for this evening:

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Ryan Burton, 3. Alex Davies, 4. Michael Palm Toft, 5. Ryan Douglas, 6. Stefan Nielsen (guest), 7. Josh Bailey.

Sheffield Tigers: 1. Simon Stead, 2. Dimitri Berge, 3. Kyle Howarth, 4. Josh Bates, 5. Jason Garrity R/R, 6. Arthur Sissis, 7. Nathan Greaves.

Midland Development League teams:
Scunthorpe Stags: 1. TBA, 2. Lloyd Ditchburn, 3. Luke Whitehead, 4. Sam Chapman.
Belle Vue Colts: 1. TBA, 2. Ollie Rutter, 3. Stephen Whitehouse, 4. George Rothery.

* NEW SIGNING Andreas Lyager finished a fine fifth in his World Under-21 Championship qualifying round in Germany yesterday. He narrowed missed out on automatic qualification to the final series, but could be handed one of the wildcard places.

* UPDATE: Andreas Lyager is ruled of this evening’s clash through illness, and Ryan Burton comes in as a replacement.  Rob Godfrey says: “Our backs are against the wall now, but that can bring out the best in us. We’re still determined to beat the Tigers.”