PREVIEW: OXFORD v IPSWICH (ROWE Motor Oil Prem)

LEAGUE leaders Oxford face Ipswich in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership tonight (Thursday) as Witches No.1 Emil Sayfutdinov visits Cowley for the first time.

The Spires are the early pace setters after winning their first three matches to continue the remarkable success story of their return to the sport which has been backed by regular big crowds.

But team manager Peter Schroeck admits they face a tough test against the Foxhall side, who showed their potential with an excellent KO Cup win at Leicester last week.

Schroeck said: “Ipswich have built a really strong team over the winter, and it would be a surprise not to see them towards the top of the division as the season progresses.

“For the neutrals and even our supporters it will be a great spectacle to see the likes of Emil and Jason (Doyle) on track, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“Week by week everyone is adapting well to the track so we’re entering full of confidence and targeting another two big points.”

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “It is our first trip to Oxford for a very long time and I’m delighted to see them back in the league and doing so well since they re-opened a couple of seasons ago.

“It will be a new test for us, they have built a very good side and have started the season well, they look a very strong side.

“After winning at Leicester, I said to the boys if we can win there, we can win anywhere. We have shown our own strengths at the start of the season, and we will hope to carry that on at Oxford.”

OXFORD: Maciej Janowski, Charles Wright, Nicolai Klindt, Rohan Tungate, Chris Harris, Lewis Kerr, Ashton Boughen.
IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Jordan Jenkins, Danny King, Adam Ellis, Jason Doyle, Keynan Rew, Dan Thompson.
SCB Referee: Christina Turnbull

*LIVE STREAMING: https://livestream.oxfordspeedway.club/