PREVIEW: LEICESTER v BELLE VUE (NDL)

LEICESTER open their National Development League campaign with the visit of Belle Vue to the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena tonight (Saturday).

The Lion Cubs delayed their fixture schedule until new reserve Max Perry turned 15 at the end of April, and he is one of three club debutants along with Connor Coles and Vinnie Foord.

The Colts have one win from three matches so far, and again operate rider replacement for Jack Parkinson-Blackburn who is withholding services.

Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “The fixture planning has been timed to start when all of our seven riders were available, and it’s a busy schedule particularly between now and the end of July.

“Many teams have strong top twos and others have great strength in depth, and the Belle Vue Colts will certainly provide a tough challenge.”

Colts co-boss Steve Williams said: “From our point of view, we are looking at putting in a good show. When we went to Berwick, we were getting out of the gates OK, but track knowledge did catch us out.

“We strongly believe that these boys have what it takes to pick up a few points at Leicester, they have a fantastic attitude about their racing and we are very much looking forward to this one.”

LEICESTER: Dan Thompson, Mickie Simpson, Connor Coles, Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Vinne Foord, Max Perry.
BELLE VUE: Jack Smith, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn R/R, Nathan Ablitt, Sam McGurk, Harry McGurk, Archie Freeman, Freddy Hodder.