PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v KENT (NDL)

BELLE VUE defend their unbeaten home record when they host Kent in the NDL at the National Speedway Stadium tonight (Friday).

The Colts have impressed around their own circuit but their away defeats include a 54-36 reverse at Iwade recently, meaning the aggregate point is also a factor in Manchester.

The hosts are at full strength whilst the Royals bring in Jacob Hook to guest for ex-Belle Vue rider Nathan Ablitt, who is on Championship duty with Scunthorpe.

Meanwhile Jack Kingston is ruled out after suffering rib, back and lung injuries when he crashed out of last Sunday’s abandoned home clash with Oxford. The visitors will operate rider replacement.

Belle Vue skipper Jack Smith said: “We were very disappointed with how things turned out at Kent. We were in line for potentially winning the meeting, and to lose so heavily was a complete shock.

“But the boys cracked on as best we could, and the thing that gives us confidence is that we know what we’re capable of at home. We know we can put in some very big scores here.

“That’s the main goal for Friday, to win the meeting. It won’t be easy to pull back 18 points for the aggregate but if we can, and we’re in a position to, then we need to aim for that too.”

Kent boss Jamie Willis said: “Although we are 18-points ahead for the aggregate point, we aren’t heading to Belle Vue to defend that lead, but rather aim to win the meeting and come away with three league points.

“Between myself and Si (Kellow) we have been in contact with Jack daily since his crash and we are pleased that he is now at home and continuing his recovery.   

“We are obviously looking into who we can bring in to fill Jack’s place whilst he is out of action, and unfortunately we have had a couple of setbacks this week. We’ll continue to keep searching to find a replacement.”

BELLE VUE: James Pearson, Matt Marson, Sam Hagon, Freddy Hodder, Jack Smith, Paul Bowen, Luke Muff.
KENT: Ben Morley, Jack Kingston r/r, Connor King, Tom Woolley, Jacob Hook, Sam Woolley, Rhys Naylor, Eli Meadows (no.8).