POOLE boss Neil Middleditch believes it’s “dangerous” to take anything for granted ahead of their KO Cup decider.
The Pirates lead by a whopping 24 points after their 57-33 win at Oxford in the first leg and it would take something outrageous to stop them completing the clean sweep of trophies at Wimborne Road tonight, live on BSN.
It would be the first treble since Workington’s success of 2018 but Middlo refuses to get carried away.
He said: “People are saying it’s all over but speedway is a funny old game.
“It is dangerous in speedway to take anything for granted, but for sure we are in a very strong position and you would have to say it is ours to lose.
“This is for the fans. We hope they turn up in their numbers like they always do to cheer us over the line.
“That will make it a massive celebration for the club. To win the treble would be an incredible achievement.
“The riders and management hugely appreciate the amazing support of the fans. If we can get it done, we want to celebrate with all the supporters and make it another night to remember at Wimborne Road.”
Middleditch also paid tribute to his good friend and rival Oxford boss Peter Schroeck and hopes Cheetahs fans will also back their side at Wimborne Road.
He said: “It has been hard in some ways. I go back a long way with Peter and I told him my job is just to win.
“I’ve been in the same situation of losing finals and lost and it’s not a pleasant feeling at all. I’m sure he will bounce back and so will Oxford.
“I’d like to think that Oxford fans will also come to give their side a good send-off.
“They have had a sensational season and just missed out at the final hurdle for two trophies, just like we did a year ago.
“I know how that hurts but they should come along and cheer them on one more time. Even if they want to boo Vinnie a bit as well, in a good natured way!”
The home side are at full strength and unchanged from their win at Cowley last week, the visitors are remarkably down to just two of their regular riders.
Long-term absentees Adam Roynon and Jordan Jenkins have been joined by Luke Killeen, who is not fit to return after concussion, and skipper Scott Nicholls who crashed out of the first leg suffering shoulder damage, whilst Cameron Heeps is also absent with his partner due to give birth.
It means there are no fewer than five guests for the Cheetahs, with Jason Edwards and Simon Lambert joining their more regular stand-ins Dan Gilkes and Connor Coles, and Ben Trigger also comes in at reserve.
POOLE: Richard Lawson, Sam Hagon, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Tobias Thomsen, Vinnie Foord.
OXFORD: Sam Masters, Simon Lambert, Ashton Boughen, Dan Gilkes, Jason Edwards, Ben Trigger, Connor Coles.
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Words by Holeshot Media.
Pictures by Taylor Lanning.