PREVIEW: SHEFFIELD v IPSWICH (ROWE MOTOR OIL PREM)
SHEFFIELD hope to end their run of three meetings without a win when they host defending champions Ipswich tonight (Thursday).
The Tigers lost on the night and let the aggregate point slip away to the Witches in a ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Round 1 encounter last week, and they were beaten at home by King’s Lynn last time out in South Yorkshire.
They did, however, secure a point on the road at Northampton on Monday following their 45-45 draw – a result which saw them sneak back into the top four on points difference.
Third-placed Ipswich are three points ahead of Sheffield, who have two matches in hand and will be operating rider replacement for injured No.1 Jack Holder.
Manager Simon Stead said: “We’ve, sadly, exhausted our options when it tries to coming to get a suitable enough guest for this Ipswich meeting.
“There’s only King’s Lynn and Northampton not racing on Thursday and only having two teams to look through, it does limit your options.
“It is disappointing, but the rest of our lads have just got to really knuckle down and do everything they can to get another win on the board.
“The lads are desperate to do that and if they show a similar level of fight, determination and commitment that we saw at Northampton on Monday, then we can ask no more.”
Meanwhile the Witches bring in Nathan Ablitt to guest for injured reserve Kevin Juhl Pedersen, and they are hoping for good news on the fitness of skipper Danny King who has been struggling with rib damage.
Manager Paul Hurry said: “Last week was tough on Danny. It was his first meeting back, and it is quite demanding at times around Ipswich.
“Coming back from a rib injury is hard going. People don’t realise. Not only does he have that to deal with; all of his races are in the first 10 or 11 heats.”
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder R/R, Anders Rowe, Chris Holder, Leon Flint, Josh Pickering, Jye Etheridge, Luke Killeen.
IPSWICH: Tom Brennan, Danny King (if fit), Richard Lawson, Scott Nicholls, Tobiasz Musielak, Nathan Ablitt, Jason Edwards.
SCB Referee: Chris Durno
Live Updates: https://live.britishspeedway.co.uk/
