PREVIEW: KING’S LYNN V KENT (NDT)

NATIONAL Development Trophy table-toppers King’s Lynn face Kent at the Adrian Flux Arena tonight (Wednesday).

The Young Stars lost their 100 per cent record when they were beaten at Plymouth on Saturday, but they have impressed at home so far.

It’s a key fixture as Kent are five points behind Lynn but with two matches in hand, having already picked up an away point from Birmingham recently.

The home side again bring in Arran Butcher to guest for the unavailable Ashton Vale, whilst the Eagles have Freddy Hodder and Ryan Ingram replacing the injured Nathan Ablitt and Charlie Wood, with rider replacement for Nathan Hargave.

King’s Lynn manager Jason Pipe said: “Kent have three good heat leaders against us, and their two reserves could upset a few, so we really need to get our noses in front from the very first race.

“Looking at the fixtures that we still have left to race, it could even come down to who wins the aggregate point between ourselves and Kent for who takes the title, so we must win this home meeting to save ourselves from having a difficult task of having to go to Kent and get a win.”

Eagles boss David Graveling said: “We’re under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead, but it’s one we are relishing.  

“This match could well come down to a battle of the heat leaders, but we have every confidence in our second-string riders, who have consistently shown they are more than capable of scoring valuable points when it matters most.”

‘While securing an away win will be a tall order, keeping the scores tight could be crucial, with the potential for an aggregate point on offer when the return leg is held at Iwade on August 10.”

KING’S LYNN: Jody Scott, Arran Butcher, Cooper Rushen, Max Perry, Luke Harrison, Harrison Rogers, Calum Mitchell.
KENT: Freddy Hodder, Nathan Hargrave r/r, Vinnie Foord, Luke Harris, Ben Morley, Jamie Etherington, Ryan Ingram.

SCB Referee: Paul Carrington