PREVIEW: OXFORD v REDCAR (CAB DIRECT KO CUP)

OXFORD and Redcar clash in the first leg of their Cab Direct KO Cup semi-final at Cowley tonight (Wednesday) – which throws up a rapid repeat of the recent Pairs decider between the clubs.

The Bears were victorious in the pre-Cardiff showpiece when rival captains Scott Nicholls and Charles Wright clashed in the Final, with the Cheetahs captain being disqualified.

But in the seven-rider format, Oxford boast a strong home record and they will look to build a lead to take to the ECCO Arena on Friday.

The home side again promote Jody Scott from their NDL team to deputise for the injured Adam Roynon, whilst the visitors bring in Jye Etheridge for the absent Connor Bailey.

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “The boys have worked so hard this season and the last thing we want to do is waste that hard work and slip up now.

“We’d love to have two Finals at the end of the season against Poole, given the history and heritage of the two clubs.

“But we can’t look ahead too much. We have to take it one step at a time and that starts with the two meetings against Redcar, both at Oxford on Wednesday and at their place on Friday evening.

“The approach won’t be much different to the one we’ve had all season, but we know the job we need to do.”

Bears manager Gavin Parr said: “We are under no illusions, Oxford are a great side, but I don’t need to drum that into the riders, they know how well they have been doing.

“We can do the business if we have all seven guys firing at once, so let’s go and pull off a shock.”

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Ashton Boughen, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Luke Killeen, Jody Scott.
REDCAR: Charles Wright, Dan Gilkes, Jye Etheridge, Jason Edwards, Danny King, Ben Trigger, Jake Mulford.
SCB Referee: Simon Humphrey-Kennett

*LIVE STREAMING: https://livestream.oxfordspeedway.club/