LEICESTER Lion Cubs look to take another step towards the play-offs in what promises to be a hotly contested home clash with Oxford on Saturday (7pm).
The Cubs are second in the National Development League table, and face the team immediately behind them with the gap currently four points and the Chargers having one match in hand.
And there’s no doubt that the Cowley club have strengthened since the start of the season and arrive with a team fully capable of challenging for points at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena.
Skipper Jordan Jenkins is one of the best No.1s at this level, and although second heat-leader Nathan Stoneman is missing on Championship duty, the inclusion of Jake Mulford as guest provides the Chargers with a suitable stand-in.
And it’s their two recent recruits which have elevated their hopes, with Henry Atkins set to make his debut on Saturday after a long-running move from Plymouth was finally completed, whilst 17-year-old Luke Killeen made a sensational start to his NDL career when the Chargers won at the Coliseum.
But the Cubs are also in great shape as they continue to defend an unbeaten home record dating right back to their introduction into the league back in 2019.
Dave Howard’s side are back at full strength after Connor Coles missed last week’s KO Cup win over Berwick due to Championship commitments, and youngster Max Perry will look to build on his stunning paid-15 haul achieved against the Bullets.
Howard said: “On paper now, Oxford probably look the strongest team in the league, but we need to keep our unbeaten home record going.
“We had a key away win at a top-six team, because there’s now six teams going for the play-offs, so our win at Mildenhall was such a big one.
“Now on Saturday it’s just so key that we win at home, and we win by more than six points to stop the away team from getting a league point.
“It will be a really tough challenge against Oxford, and it’s good to have Connor back so we’re at full strength.”
LEICESTER: Dan Thompson, Mickie Simpson, Connor Coles, Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Max Perry.
OXFORD: Jordan Jenkins, Jacob Clouting, Sam Hagon, Henry Atkins, Jake Mulford, Arran Butcher, Jody Scott.
