HERE'S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.
THE BITE-SIZED BULLETIN
PIC OF THE WEEK...
Wolverhampton booked their Premiership Play-Off place with a thrilling 49-41 victory at Poole last week. The Pirates, Swindon and Ipswich will join Wolves to fight it out for the title when the play-offs begin on Monday September 23. Picture: DAVE FAIRBROTHER
PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "We've become accustomed to our high expectations in recent years, but the play offs are now history for us and our attention immediately shifts to winning the Premiership Supporters' Cup. The boys in this team are professionals and I'm confident they will bounce back and channel this feeling into a big performance on September 12." Bitter disappointment for Aces boss Mark Lemon after their four-year sequence of play-off qualification came to an end last week. NEXT HOME: Swindon (PSC Final), Thur Sept 12 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Swindon (PSC Final), Thur Sept 19 (7.30)
IPSWICH "We set our target to get there at the start of the season, win the play-offs and be champions. That was our goal, not just to make the play-offs but to win them. Whatever others predicted never impacted on us as a team. We have gone through a tough period and now it is a clean slate ahead of the play-offs." Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins says the club are firmly focused on the play-offs after a nervous run-in before they finally confirmed their place in the top four. NEXT HOME: TBC, Prem Play-Off, Thur Sept 26 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Mon Sept 16 (7.30)
KING'S LYNN "We just have to analyse the situation at the end of the season and maybe make one or two changes to be able to cope with going away. It is no good being at home scoring 12 or 14 points and nothing away, that is a big issue and we need to have more consistency." Stars boss Peter Schroeck has pinpointed away form as the reason why his side have missed out on the play-offs "“ despite being unbeaten at the Adrian Flux Arena in their league matches this season. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Mon Sept 16 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Thur Sept 12 (7.30)
PETERBOROUGH "We now look forward to next Tuesday against Wolverhampton and see if we can win that - but we are up against Ryan Douglas!" One more home meeting this season in a tough campaign for the Panthers and boss Carl Johnson "“ where they will face the rider who scored 18 points for them as a guest in Monday's narrow defeat to Swindon! NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Tues Sept 17 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton (PSC), TBC
POOLE "I think deep down we knew our spot in the play-offs was pretty secure "“ and that was the problem. Complacency is often what punishes you in this sport and I think we allowed that to set in. It was a disappointing performance in front of our own supporters." Pirates co-promoter Danny Ford believes his side took Wolverhampton too lightly as they went down to a home defeat at Wimborne Road last week. NEXT HOME: King's Lynn Thur Sept 12 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, TBC
SWINDON "There was some good racing out there in the end after all the rain they had and I'm just pleased we won. Now we move on and we have a Cup Final at Belle Vue on Thursday - that's our focus." Robins boss Alun Rossiter was pleased to leave Peterborough with three more league points on Monday as they continue to chase league leadership ahead of the play-offs. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue (PSC Final), Thur Sept 19 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue (PSC Final), Thur Sept 12 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON "For once Poole's reserves were a bit of a let-down for them with only one point between them all night whereas we had the star of the show in Luke Becker and Dougy (Ryan Douglas) was very good early on in the meeting. But I don't want to single anyone out; everyone did their level best and they all contributed to what is a fantastic result for us." Wolves boss Peter Adams saw the pressure lifted with a superb 49-41 win at Poole to confirm their play-off place before their final fixture away at Peterborough next week. NEXT HOME: TBC, Prem play-off, Mon Sept 30 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Tue Sept 17 (7.30)
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BERWICK "We all know we cannot afford to lose any more league points if we are to cling to our slim chance of a play-off place and we rode with that determination that shows if we do make the title play offs, the rest had better watch out." Gary Flint's Bandits picked up six points in one night from a Shielfield Park double-header last weekend, and their chances of a dramatic run into the play-offs will now be decided on the road. NEXT HOME: TBC NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Sept 11 (7.30)
BIRMINGHAM "Some people will say we snatched it but for me we should have won. I thought it was a great meeting with positives to take out of it for the team though, particularly the way Tero (Aarnio) and Tobias (Thomsen) rode." Brummies boss Laurence Rogers had mixed emotions after a dramatic 45-45 draw with Scunthorpe in their penultimate fixture at Perry Barr. NEXT HOME: Berwick, Wed Sept 11 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, Sat Sep 28 (7.30)
EASTBOURNE "We just didn't have our gating gloves on as a team. We struggled a bit out of the starts and hopefully lesson learned and we will try and put that right next week." Eagles boss Will Pottinger gave his reaction to the KO Cup semi-final defeat to Redcar, with the Arlington side now turning their attention to this weekend's Championship Shield Final. NEXT HOME: Leicester (CS Final), Sat Sept 14 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Leicester (CS Final), Sun Sept 15 (5pm)
EDINBURGH "I made some good starts, I always get on well when there are grippy starts. I was pleased to play my part in a good win. I want to get a double figure score by the end of the season and maybe get a slot for next year." Monarchs reserve Connor Coles was pleased with his display at home to Somerset "“ but subsequent away defeats over the weekend ruled the Armadale side out of play-off contention. NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri Sept 13 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow (SC), Sun Sept 29 (3pm)
GLASGOW "We have had to wait since the end of July to deliver a big performance at home - but the guys have shown they can do it against the best teams and there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to give that to the supporters. If we can do it, then we can start really planning for our challenge for the title." Tigers boss Cami Brown is determined that his side will not waste their efforts of a strong season by falling away at the most vital time. NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Tues Sept 10 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Fri Sept 13 (7.30)
LEICESTER "I wish to praise my riders on finishing top of the Championship, a magnificent effort after our injury problems this season. We are the league winners but now must try and become league champions." Lions boss Stewart Dickson says the hard work is just beginning as they head into the play-offs on top of the table, and with choice of semi-final opponents. NEXT HOME: Eastbourne (CS Final), Sun Sept 15 (5pm) NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne (CS Final), Sat Sept 14 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE "We're really riding as a proper team unit now, and look capable of taking good wins anywhere at the moment, which is good timing for the Knockout Cup Final in which we have been joined by Redcar, and what a North East battle that will be later in the season!" Diamonds boss George English believes silverware is still a possibility for his side with the KO Cup Final set to provide a high-profile conclusion to the campaign. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sun Sept 15 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Tues Sept 10 (7pm)
REDCAR "To do it without Charles Wright and also losing Michael Palm Toft in the second leg was even more impressive to me. It's massive for Redcar to reach the KO Cup Final, especially as it will be an all North East final against Newcastle." Bears promoter Jitendra Duffill was delighted to see a stunning campaign continue with their KO Cup semi-final aggregate victory over Eastbourne. NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Fri Sept 13 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Sept 15 (6.30)
SCUNTHORPE "It was nice to have this meeting before we head into the winter to prove to myself that I can score good points in this league. I can use this to motivate myself to get training during the winter and come back fighting again next season." Scorpion star Stefan Nielsen enjoyed his best performance of the season with an 11+2 haul in their last match of the campaign against Redcar.
SOMERSET "It just wasn't meant to be for us tonight it seems. We tried hard but nothing really was happening for us. All we can do now is to sit back and hope that results go our way." Garry May's side endured a tough night at Edinburgh in their final regular league fixture of the season, and now must wait to see if their 36-point total is enough to confirm a place in the play-offs. NEXT HOME: TBC NEXT AWAY: TBC
SHEFFIELD "We've had feedback from some supporters who have said they can't make a Sunday because of various commitments. So this is an opportunity for those people to come along in mid-week to get behind the team. It's been a tough season for various reasons and we would love to round off our home league programme with a win over Newcastle." Tigers boss Damien Bates is hoping for a successful finale on Wednesday with his side still clinging to play-off hopes approaching the cut-off. NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Wed Sept 11 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri Sept 13 (7.30)
NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE The Colts have confirmed their place in the National League play-offs and also turn their attentions to KO Cup business next week when they face Cradley in the semi-finals. NEXT HOME: Cradley (KOC), Wed Sept 18 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri Sept 13 (7.15)
CRADLEY "We know Kent won't be easy because they've got some really good riders. But we're buzzing after Friday as a team and hopefully we can get one more win which will hopefully put us in the play-offs." The Heathens kept their top four hopes alive by winning at Plymouth, and skipper Max Clegg wants to keep it going in next week's re-arranged final league fixture against Kent. NEXT HOME: Kent/Belle Vue (KOC), Mon Sept 16 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue (KOC), Wed Sept 18 (7.30)
ISLE OF WIGHT "This three-way battle for the final play-off spot is incredibly exciting and has speedway once again talking about our league. I am sure there will be form upsets before the cut-off date." Warriors co-chief Barry Bishop is hoping his side can upset the odds and maintain a place in the top four after a remarkable scrap with Mildenhall and Cradley over recent weeks. NEXT HOME: TBC NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Tue Sept 10 (7.30)
KENT The Kings have confirmed the returns of Jordan Jenkins, who was taking time out of the sport, and captain Robert Ledwith from injury as they build up to taking their place in the National League play-offs. NEXT HOME: TBC, NL play-off, Mon Sept 23 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Cradley, Mon Sept 16 (7.30)
LEICESTER "It's another solid team performance, everyone is firing especially around here, and we've just got to keep it going. Finishing top is one thing but it's all about the play-offs and we've got to dig deep, keep our heads in gear and go from there." Lion Cubs skipper Danyon Hume scored 14 points in a 54-36 win over Mildenhall on Saturday which moved them one step closer to confirming top spot in the table ahead of the play-offs. NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, Tues Sept 10 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Sept 14 (7pm)
MILDENHALL The Fen Tigers picked up three points at home to Plymouth last weekend and must now wait for results elsewhere to see what is required from their trip to the Coliseum next week if they are still to reach the top four. NEXT HOME: TBC NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Thur Sept 19 (7.15)
PLYMOUTH The Gladiators suffered a point-less weekend of three defeats in three days as they lost out to Cradley at home and then suffered away losses at Stoke and Mildenhall. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Fri Sept 13 (7.15)
STOKE "All the team clicked tonight, but for me it's a little to late for my liking. It was good to get a victory and send supporters home happy but when we built this team at the beginning of the season this was the sort of performance that we had been expecting on a regular basis." Better late than never for Potters boss Adam Isherwood after a win over Plymouth took his side off the bottom of the NL table. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Sat Sept 14 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Leicester (KOC), Sat Oct 5 (7.30)
FIXTURE PICTURE"¦
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10: CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow v Newcastle 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: Leicester v Isle of Wight 7.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11: CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Berwick 7.30, Sheffield v Newcastle 7.30
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12: PREMIERSHIP: Poole v King's Lynn 7.30 PREMIERSHIP SUPPORTERS' CUP FINAL 1st leg: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30, Redcar v Glasgow 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Belle Vue 7.15
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14: CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow v Sheffield 7.30 CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD FINAL 1st leg: Eastbourne v Leicester 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Leicester 7pm
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Redcar 6.30 CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD FINAL 2nd leg: Leicester v Eastbourne 5pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16: PREMIERSHIP: King's Lynn v Swindon 7.30, Poole v Ipswich 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Kent 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Cradley v Belle Vue (follows previous fixture)
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17: PREMIERSHIP: Peterborough v Wolverhampton 7.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18: NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Belle Vue v Cradley 7.30
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19: PREMIERSHIP SUPPORTERS' CUP FINAL 2nd leg: Swindon v Belle Vue 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Mildenhall 7.15
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20: CHAMPIONSHIP PAIRS: Somerset 7pm
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21: BRITISH GRAND PRIX: Cardiff 5pm
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22: NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester 3pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23: PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL: Poole v TBC 7.30
