PREVIEW: OXFORD v BELLE VUE (NDL)

OXFORD take on Belle Vue at Cowley tonight (Wednesday) in a clash of two sides currently in the NDL play-off places.

The teams are separated by just one point with the Colts just ahead after both enjoyed big home wins last week.

The Chargers operate rider replacement for Nathan Stoneman, who was injured at Berwick at the weekend, whilst the Colts bring in Adam Roynon and also use r/r as Nathan Ablitt and Harry McGurk are both on Championship duty.

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “It is a blow to lose a rider of Nathan’s ability at this level. But our recent home performances have proven to me that we have a well-rounded team where every rider is capable of winning races.

“Injuries are part and parcel of speedway, and often having the appropriate back-up in place can be the difference between a winning and a losing team. I believe we’ve got the back-up and that Belle Vue remain in for a tough test.”

Colts co-boss Steve Williams said: “Oxford do have a solid side, but then so do we and we’re very much looking forward to this to be honest. We’re prepared to knuckle down and hopefully cause them some problems.

“Obviously with missing both Nathan and Harry it will be a challenge but they’re also missing a rider so as things are we’re evenly matched.”

OXFORD: Jordan Jenkins, Henry Atkins, Sam Hagon, Jody Scott, Nathan Stoneman r/r, Arran Butcher, Jacob Clouting.
BELLE VUE: Jack Smith, Harry McGurk r/r, Adam Roynon, Sam McGurk, Jake Mulford, Archie Freeman, Freddy Hodder.