PREVIEW: BERWICK v POOLE (MAXiCAB KO CUP S/F)

JUST four points separate Berwick and Poole heading into the second leg of their MAXiCab KO Cup semi-final at Shielfield Park tonight (Saturday).

The holders were restricted to a narrow advantage from their home meeting on Wednesday, with the Bandits collecting a 5-1 in the last race at Wimborne Road to leave the scores 47-43 at the halfway stage.

Both teams operate rider replacement as Berwick’s Lasse Fredriksen is competing in the Norwegian Championship whilst Poole’s Fraser Bowes aggravated a back injury in the first leg. The Pirates track Simon Lambert at reserve as a guest for Will Cairns who is on SGP2 duty.

Berwick manager Stewart Dickson said: “We’ve won nothing and reached nowhere just because we did well at Poole. The Pirates like our place and it is always tight – three of the last five meetings between the sides have been decided by two points, and another was a draw.

“If we are to reach a Final then we have to work very hard and make no mistakes on the night.

“It looks like there will be a big crowd. It’s been a long time since Berwick were challenging for Finals and silverware, and the town’s response has been very positive.”

Poole promoter Dan Ford said: “It’s unfortunate to lose Will to his SGP2 commitments, but that’s a fantastic opportunity for. It’s great to have Richard (Lawson) back, although it’s disappointing that Fraser has aggravated his injury again.

“A four-point lead isn’t much around Shielfield, where they’re always a strong side. We’ll need to be at our very best if we’re going to finish the job and reach the final.”

BERWICK: Peter Kildemand, Jye Etheridge, Victor Palovaara, Lasse Fredriksen R/R, Nick Morris, Jack Smith, Jordan Jenkins.

POOLE: Richard Lawson, Fraser Bowes R/R, Lewis Kerr, Cooper Rushen, Zach Cook, Simon Lambert, Kyle Newman.

SCB Referee: Dave Watters

Live Streaming: https://www.britishspeedwaynetwork.co.uk/

Live Updates: https://britishspeedway.co.uk/live/