PREVIEW: MIDDLESBROUGH v BELLE VUE (WSRA NDL)

MIDDLESBROUGH Tigers race their first home fixture in the WSRA National Development League tonight (Friday) as they take on Belle Vue.

The Tigers are based at Redcar’s ECCO Arena and the promotion have cut admission prices to just £10 with under-16s and season ticket holders going free.

The hosts are at full strength as they look to get off the mark in 2024, whilst the Colts are forced into changes as Sam Hagon is on SGP2 duty, Freddy Hodder is racing in the Championship for Berwick and Luke Muff is injured.

Sam McGurk and Dayle Wood are named as guests for the visitors whilst Matt Marson takes over as captain.

Tigers No.2 Ben Rathbone said: “I don’t think the Colts have got anyone to be feared. The way the league is built this year, I think anyone can beat anyone so I’m hoping the boys can go out and do just that.

“We have had the three tough away meetings and I think the younger lads especially can get dialled in around the ECCO Arena and get some wins on the board.”

Colts boss Steve Williams said: “It’s not ideal for us to be without three of our usual 1-7 but we’ve shown before now that, even when not at full strength, we can push other teams very hard.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for Sam Hagon to contest the SGP2 Qualifier, especially after his recent British U-21 triumph and we wish him the very best of luck.

“A lot of our guys have never seen Redcar before, at least not having raced it, so this will be a new experience for them but one which we’re all looking forward to.”

MIDDLESBROUGH: Jake Mulford, Ben Rathbone, Danny Phillips, Jamie Halder, Ben Trigger, William Hocaniuk, Kai Ward.
BELLE VUE: Sam Hagon r/r, Chad Wirtzfeld, Matt Marson, Dayle Wood, Sam McGurk, Jack Shimelt, Harry McGurk.
SCB Referee: Graeme Hunter

*LIVE STREAMING: https://www.redcar-speedway.tv/