PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v OXFORD (NDL)

BELLE Vue hand a debut to new signing Jake Mulford in their NDL clash with Oxford this afternoon (Friday, 1pm).

Former Kent rider Mulford brings the Colts back up to a full seven-man line-up after Jack Parkinson-Blackburn chose to take time out of the sport for personal reasons.

The Chargers operate rider replacement for the retired Ben Hopwood, Ben Morley guests at No.1 for Jordan Jenkins who is on Championship duty, and Jacob Fellows stands in for Jody Scott at reserve.

Colts co-boss Steve Williams said: “We wanted someone young and who would bolster the team, and Jake had actually asked us earlier about a team spot, so when we asked him he was very enthusiastic.

“He scored a 21-point maximum the last time he came to the National Speedway Stadium and he has definitely brought us back up to strength.

“It’s also a major confidence boost for us in terms of our remaining meetings. We’ve got a full 1-7, a young 1-7, with lots of potential and we’re really excited to see what they can do.

“At the same time, we’re not taking anything for granted. Oxford had a fantastic night against Plymouth on Wednesday so we know they are quite a capable side.”

BELLE VUE: Jake Mulford, Sam McGurk, Harry McGurk, Nathan Ablitt, Jack Smith, Archie Freeman, Freddy Hodder.
OXFORD: Ben Morley, Ben Hopwood R/R, Sam Hagon, Jacob Clouting, Nathan Stoneman, Arran Butcher, Jacob Fellows.