PREVIEW: EDINBURGH v MIDDLESBROUGH (WSRA NDL)

EDINBURGH Monarchs Academy make their first appearance of the WSRA National Development League season when they host early leaders Middlesbrough at Armadale tonight (Friday).

The Academy have been forced into changes from their intended line-up with injury ruling out Connor Coles and Vinnie Foord, with rider replacement in operation for Coles whilst James Shanes has been recruited to replace Foord.

Brother and sister duo Jordy and Anika Loftus both line up for the home side, whilst the Tigers have Seth Norman guesting for Nathan Ablitt who is on Championship duty, and they have declared Alex Spooner in their team as a replacement for Kai Ward.

Edinburgh manager Scott Wilson said: “With some team reshuffling we still line up with a strong side for Friday’s fixture and Saturday’s return at Middlesbrough.

“The first job is to win at home. In such a small league any home defeats could be very costly so we must take care of business here.

“We will then turn our attention to the away match where, as always, our intention will be to go there and win.”

EDINBURGH: Jordy Loftus, Jamie Halder, Connor Coles R/R, James Shanes, Dayle Wood, Ben Whalley, Anika Loftus. No.8: Rocco Webb.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Ace Pijper, Alex Spooner, Jade Mudgway, Stene Pijper, Seth Norman, Harry Sadler, Charlie Southwick.

SCB Referee: Seth Perkin

*LIVE STREAMING: https://www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk/emtv