Scorpions v Panthers KOC preview

HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions’ team manager Dave Peet insists a strong start for his side is important if there are to overturn an 18-point-deficit against Peterborough Panthers in their vital Knockout Cup tie at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday evening (7.30pm).

Scorpions lost 36-54 at the East Of England Showground in the first leg. If they win on aggregate, they will progress to face either Glasgow or Newcastle in the semi-finals. If not, their season will come to an end with the clash against the Panthers.

It’s the third attempt to stage the meeting. It was originally abandoned in June, with Scorpions leading 19-11, and was also washed out last week.

Peet said: “Our performance in a league match at Peterborough on Tuesday gave us a bit of a boost. We showed that we could stay with them for almost the whole match around their own track.

“I feel that, on Friday, if we attack them from the off, then we’ve got a chance of getting back those 18 points.

“A good start is the key. If we can claw back some points, we can put the Peterborough lads under a little bit of pressure.

“Way back in June, when we first attempted to hold this meeting, we were 19-11 ahead after five races, when the heavens opened. If we start like that again, it would be game on.

“On paper, you’d say Peterborough would be favourites to progress on aggregate. But it’s what happens out on the track which is important.”

Tero Aarnio is unavailable on Friday, since he is riding in his re-staged national championships back in his native Finland. He will be replaced by Newcastle’s Ashley Morris, who put in plenty of effort in a brief spell with Scorpions early in 2016.

Scorpions’ management are considering a move back to Friday nights in 2018, and a good crowd this Friday could help sway any decision.

Peterborough have an attractive side, led by former three-time British Champion Chris Harris.

Promoter Rob Godfrey says: “This meeting is a golden chance for the fans to show up in bumper numbers and prove to me that we should move back to a Friday evening.

“It’s a mouth-watering meeting. Peterborough got one of the most entertaining riders in British Speedway in former Grand Prix star Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris, we’ve got one of the most entertaining riders in British Speedway in Josh Auty, and the racing at the Eddie Wright Raceway on a Friday night is always top class.

“If it does prove to be our last meeting this season, then hopefully we’ll see a fighting performance from the Scorpions and some thrilling racing.”

Admission prices for Friday:

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 Friday:

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Lewis Kerr, 2. Jake Allen, 3. Michael Palm Toft, 4. Ryan Douglas, 5. Josh Auty (captain), 6. Ashley Morris (guest), 7. Josh Bailey.

Peterborough Panthers: 1. Richie Worrall (guest), 2. Bradley Wilson-Dean, 3. Paul Starke, 4. Ulrich Ostergaard, 5. Chris Harris, 6. Simon Lambert, 7. Tom Bacon.