PREVIEW: IPSWICH v NORTHAMPTON (ROWE MOTOR OIL PREM)

NEW-LOOK Northampton go into action for the first time since a team re-shuffle when they travel to Ipswich in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership tonight (Thursday).

The Foxes have made two changes to their line-up with 2021 British Champion Adam Ellis and exciting Australian talent Mitch McDiarmid joining the club.

Ironically Ellis has spent the last two seasons with the Witches, whilst McDiarmid served notice of his potential with an impressive score of paid-11 in a guest appearance at Belle Vue on Monday.

It’s an important meeting for the Witches who are looking to move back into the play-off places, although the recent KO Cup Final defeat did feature some more exciting action from mid-season signing Kevin Juhl Pedersen.

Ipswich star Scott Nicholls said: “Kevin has come in and has been a breath of fresh air. He is certainly putting the effort in. He has put some points on the board, and that’s good to see. He will have gone to all of the tracks blind, but you can’t knock his effort.

“He has a positive attitude, he’s determined, I am pleased to have him in the team, and hopefully he can give us that extra bit of support at reserve.”

Foxes manager Chris Adams said: “As a club we needed to make changes for the last quarter of the season – not only for hopefully better results, but also looking forward and into next year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Mitchell make his first appearance as a Fox. I feel he has been having a great season with Oxford, and he certainly turned some heads guesting for Belle Vue on Monday.

“Adam also comes into the side, and he rode for Ipswich last year, so having been there on a number of occasions this season and coming close to a win I’m hoping that our fortunes change and we can finish the season strong.”

Both sides track revised riding orders under new August averages, with Richard Lawson taking over as No.1 for Ipswich, and Niels-Kristian Iversen now in that position for Northampton. The visitors operate rider replacement for Kye Thomson after a crash at Poole on Wednesday.

IPSWICH: Richard Lawson, Scott Nicholls, Danny King, Tom Brennan, Tobiasz Musielak, Kevin Juhl Pedersen, Jason Edwards.

NORTHAMPTON: Niels-Kristian Iversen, Kye Thomson R/R, Nicolai Klindt, Adam Ellis, Jaimon Lidsey, Mitch McDiarmid, Luke Harrison.

SCB Referee: Mick Bates

Live Streaming: https://witchestv.co.uk/

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