PREVIEW: LEICESTER v POOLE (KOC)

LEICESTER and Poole clash in the first of the KO Cup semi-finals at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena tonight (Saturday).

The Pirates are the only visiting team to have won a league match at the East Midlands venue in the last two seasons, and bring in Charles Wright to guest for the Covid-isolating Rory Schlein at No.1. Dillon Ruml stands in for the injured Stefan Nielsen at reserve.

Leicester are at full strength as they seek to build a lead to take to Poole for the return fixture a week on Wednesday.

Lions boss Stewart Dickson said: ““I’m not going into this meeting targeting any lead in particular in terms of points.

“I want us to concentrate first and foremost on winning the meeting, because I feel sometimes you can look too far ahead thinking you want this, you want that, whereas in fact whatever happens here we know the tie will be decided in a tough match at Poole a week on Wednesday.”

Pirates promoter Danny Ford said: “I am reminded that the last time Poole competed in the equivalent of the SGB Championship we were double winners, and it would be fantastic if we could make our return to it as equally as successful.

“But this is going to be a difficult semi-final encounter. Leicester are a good side and as we are the only team to have won there this year, I can’t help thinking that Stewart Dickson will be firing his lads up more than ever.”

LEICESTER: Nick Morris, Dan Thompson, Ryan Douglas, Kyle Howarth, Hans Andersen, Joe Thompson, Zaine Kennedy.
POOLE: Charles Wright, Benjamin Basso, Steve Worrall, Ben Cook, Danny King, Dillon Ruml, Danyon Hume.