PREVIEW: MIDDLESBROUGH v LEICESTER (WSRA NDL)

MIDDLESBROUGH host WSRA National Development League champions Leicester in today’s (Saturday) afternoon action at the ECCO Arena.

The Tigers have a record of one win and one defeat on their home circuit this season, whilst the Lion Cubs have only completed one match so far which was a victory at Belle Vue.

The home side are at full strength whilst the visitors make one change as Eli Meadows is ruled out after a crash at Plymouth on Tuesday, with Harry Fletcher stepping in to guest.

Middlesbrough No.3 Kai Ward said: “Leicester are well known for having strong teams at this level so we need to take it to them and get the win as we lost to them here last season.

“I believe I can stay in the main body (of the team). I know I have a few things to work on to stay there but I know I can make big improvements out of the starts which will help me stay in the top 1-5.”

Leicester manager Jen Crossland said: “We were looking forward to having the full team together for the first time this weekend, but then we had the news of Eli’s injury and we wish him well.

“Harry Fletcher rode so well for us on Wednesday (in the NDT) and put in so much effort, so we had no hesitation in giving him the opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to the meeting and hopefully we can go there and pick up another away win, but we know Middlesbrough won’t make it easy.”

MIDDLESBROUGH: Ace Pijper, Jamie Halder, Kai Ward, Tom Spencer, Danny Phillips, Stene Pijper, Ben Rathbone.
LEICESTER: Ben Trigger, Harry Fletcher, Max Perry, Sonny Springer, Max James, Ryan Ingram, Cooper Rushen.

SCB Referee: Willie Dishington