POOLE boss Danny Ford believes it will be an “epic” battle for the BSN Series final place at Redcar.
The all-conquering Pirates go to Teesside tonight, live on BSN, defending a six-point lead from the first leg in Dorset.
Redcar have drafted in a quality guest Lewi Kerr to cover for Erik Riss who is still struggling with illness.
Ford is confident that the Redcar track holds no worries for his side with four ex-Bears in their line-up.
He said: “Just as they had riders who enjoy riding our track, so we have a side that shouldn’t have too many fears about riding there, and this has all the makings of a being an epic conclusion to the semi-final.
“We want to be in that Final, you need to be there to have a chance of picking up the trophy, and we love doing that at Poole, so I have no doubt that our lads will give it their all as they seek to finish the job.”
Poole will also welcome back inspirational joint boss Gary Havelock after a major operation on his back during the winter.
Main boss Neil Middleditch told The Daily Echo: “He’s fine. I’m in touch with him in the WhatsApp group.
“He had an operation, as most people know, to ease some of the pain he’s been going through for a number of years.
“But he seems in good spirits. The boys said they saw him the other night and he looked in good form.
“He has been poorly, as we all know, but at the moment he seems good.”
Ex-Pirate Danny King was outstanding in the first leg at Wimborne Road and believes they need a strong start against the league champions.
He added: “At the end of the day, we need to win the meeting but if we can start fast in Heat 1 and claw some points back that will give us a great boost for the rest of the meeting.
“Lewi is a great choice of guest, everyone knows how quick he is around Redcar, he knows the track well so hopefully he can help us get over the line.”
LINE UPS:
REDCAR: Lewis Kerr, Danyon Hume, Charles Wright, Connor Bailey, Danny King, Jason Edwards, Jake Mulford.
POOLE: Steve Worrall, Anders Rowe r/r, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Richard Lawson, Kyle Newman, Adam Roynon.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.