PREVIEW: STEELERS v MIDDLESBROUGH (WSRA NDL)

TWO changes have been made to the Steelers’ WSRA National Development League line-up ahead of their opener against Middlesbrough today (Friday).

The combined Scunthorpe/Sheffield team have brought in Nathan Ablitt, who rode for them last year, and Vinnie Foord as Luke Muff is unavailable for personal reasons and Adam Roynon has also informed the club he will not be able to ride.

Manager Simon Lambert said: “I believe it’s very much exciting times ahead for the Steelers. We may now have a title-winning side put together.

“It’s great that former Scunthorpe Scorpion Nathan Ablitt has agreed to ride for the Steelers, while Vinnie Foord is keen to learn and jumped at the chance at joining the team and he’s on a bargain average. My thanks to them both for accepting our last-minute calls and an exciting year lies ahead.”

Foord misses today’s fixture due to a clash with his Championship side, whilst the Tigers are without the injured Jamie Halder and Ace Pijper due to the European U19 qualifier, whilst Stene Pijper and Ben Rathbone are unavailable. Cooper Rushen, Jacob Clouting and Laylen Richardson all come in.

STEELERS: Nathan Ablitt, Luke Harris, Mickie Simpson, Vinnie Foord, Luke Harrison, Harrison Rogers, Jamie Etherington.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Tom Spencer, Cooper Rushen, Sam McGurk, Jacob Clouting, Danny Phillips, Laylen Richardson, Kai Ward.

SCB Referee: Willie Dishington