PREVIEW: SCUNTHORPE v POOLE (CAB DIRECT KO CUP S/F)

SCUNTHORPE have a major mountain to climb in their Cab Direct KO Cup defence as they face a 31-point deficit going into tonight’s (Friday) second leg at home to Poole.

The Pirates dominated the opening contest in the semi-final as they won 60-29 at Wimborne Road, and they are strong favourites to progress despite the Scorpions’ strong form around the Eddie Wright Raceway.

The hosts track Ace Pijper as a guest for Luke Harrison who is on European Under-19 duty, whilst the visitors again operate rider replacement for Sam Hagon and Paul Starke replaces Vinnie Foord.

Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We are under no illusions about the size of the task we face – 61 points is a big target. We have hit it on four occasions this summer around the Eddie Wright Raceway but not against a side of the calibre of Poole.

“Pirates have finished top of the regular season league table, they are already in the Final of the BSN Series – where we hope to join them – and I’m sure they will be extremely confident about moving forward to the Cup Final.

“Poole will be huge favourites but in a way the pressure is off us because no-one will think we can recover from so far behind. I know this team is capable of doing it if everything goes right and we will give it our best shot but, yes, we might need divine intervention for this one!”

Pirates promoter Dan Ford said: “We are in a strong position with the 31-point lead, but we are not taking anything for granted.

“Scunthorpe is always a tough place to go, but it is a track where we believe we can get the job done and secure our spot in the Final.”

SCUNTHORPE: Michael Palm Toft, Connor Mountain, Simon Lambert, Jake Allen, Kyle Howarth, Nathan Ablitt, Luke Harrison.
POOLE: Richard Lawson, Sam Hagon r/r, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Tobias Thomsen, Paul Starke.
SCB Referee: Mick Bates

LIVE STREAMING: https://tv.scunthorpe-speedway.com/