Speedway: Sheffield explain rider struggle ahead of Ipswich clash
Tigers set to operate rider replacement again
Sheffield hope to end their run of three meetings without a win when they host defending champions Ipswich on Thursday (July 23, 7.30pm).
The Tigers lost on the night and let the aggregate point slip away to the Witches last week and were beaten at home by King’s Lynn last time out in South Yorkshire.
They did, however, secure a point on the road at Northampton on Monday night following their 45-45 draw - a result which saw them sneak back into the top four on points difference.
Earlier on in the year, Sheffield opened their home league programme with a 52-38 win over Ipswich, courtesy of a strong second half showing.
And that is something that team boss Simon Stead is hoping they can do again, despite having to run Rider Replacement at number one once more.
Said Stead: “We’ve, sadly, exhausted our options when it tries to coming to get a suitable enough guest for this Ipswich meeting.
“There’s only King’s Lynn and Northampton not racing on Thursday and only having two teams to look through, it does limit your options.
“Our first choice rider has other racing commitments this weekend and logistically, with his plans already in place, he couldn’t commit to us.
“We tried a couple of other riders who just didn’t fancy it and we looked at potentially flying a rider in for this one - but we just couldn’t find a way that would work for them.
“It is disappointing, but the rest of our lads have just got to really knuckle down on Thursday and do everything they can to get another win on the board.
“The lads are desperate to do that and if they show a similar level of fight, determination and commitment that we saw at Northampton on Monday, then we can ask no more.
“Hopefully that will be enough to get us some more points on the board so that we can start climbing the table again.”
Ipswich bring in Jordan Jenkins to guest at reserve in place of the injured Kevin Juhl Pedersen whilst former Sheffield man Danny King will make a late call on his fitness as he continues to struggle with rib injuries - despite his 12 point maximum against the Tigers last Thursday.
Sheffield Jack Holder R/R, Anders Rowe, Chris Holder, Leon Flint, Josh Pickering, Jye Etheridge, Luke Killeen.
Ipswich: Tom Brennan, Danny King (if fit), Richard Lawson, Scott Nicholls, Tobiasz Musielak, Jordan Jenkins, Jason Edwards.