PREVIEW: OXFORD v PLYMOUTH (Cab Direct Champ)

OXFORD hand a senior debut to teenager Ashton Boughen in tonight’s (Friday) Cab Direct Championship clash with Plymouth.

It will be the first time the Cheetahs have raced as a team at Sandy Lane on a Friday night, which was the club’s regular slot during much of their previous successful era.

They are unbeaten at home as they look to keep pace with leaders Poole, whilst the injury-hit Gladiators bring in Jason Edwards and Max Perry as well as operating rider replacement for Ben Barker.

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “We’ve had to be patient because of the weather but we’re really looking forward to getting the Cheetahs back on track.

“This is a winnable fixture, but we have a target on our back and Plymouth will want revenge from our two results in Devon earlier this season so we’ll treat this meeting like any other.

“We’re really pleased to welcome Ashton into the side who we’re excited to work with given his progress in such a short period of time.

“Our position in the play-offs might be confirmed, but we desperately want to end the regular season at the top of the league so we can pick our play-off opponents. It’d be a huge advantage, so we’re eyeing victory on Friday to start the Bank Holiday weekend with a bang.”

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Henry Atkins, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Cameron Heeps, Ashton Boughen.
PLYMOUTH: Kyle Howarth, Max Perry, Ben Barker r/r, Jason Edwards, Richie Worrall, James Pearson, Ben Trigger.