LEICESTER need to turn the tables on Newcastle when the sides meet at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena in the Championship on Saturday (7pm).
The Watling JCB Lions slipped to a disappointing defeat at Brough Park last weekend but now defend their impressive unbeaten home record as they bid for three points against the Diamonds.
Lions haven’t lost on their own circuit against opposition from their own league since August 2018, and boss Stewart Dickson has stressed the importance of keeping that run going whilst also improving their away form in the near future.
A win on Saturday will take Dickson’s side into the top four as the league table begins to take shape, although there is still some discrepancy between clubs in terms of matches raced.
With Josh Bates on the injured list and Ty Proctor leaving the team last weekend, Dickson has called up young British sensation Tom Brennan of Eastbourne to guest for Bates, who hopes to return for his Premiership club Sheffield next week.
Lions will operate rider-replacement for Proctor and have up to 28 days to name a new signing, although the club are hopeful of resolving that position far sooner with more vital matches to come in July.
Dickson said: “I believe Ty has made the right decision, we thank him for his efforts especially in the Grand Final two years ago, and now I have to work with the owners to secure a replacement.
“We have one or two potential targets in mind but in the meantime we’re pleased to welcome Tom Brennan to guest for us on Saturday.
“We need to make sure there are no slip-ups against Newcastle, we’ve been okay at home so far and we need that to continue.”
Newcastle bring in Thomas Jorgensen - often a strong performer at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena - to guest for injured No.1 Ben Barker, whist rider-replacement is in operation for Adam Roynon.
Lions asset Connor Mountain will doubtless get a warm welcome from the Beaumont Park crowd after the part he played in the 2019 title triumph, whilst former league riders’ champion James Wright, who has made his racing comeback this season, will take on Leicester’s Thompson twins at reserve.
Tickets are available in advance from http://www.leicesterspeedway.com/ticketoffice, but supporters are also remined that pay-on-the-night is now possible at the stadium.
LEICESTER: Nick Morris, Ty Proctor r/r, Kyle Howarth, Tom Brennan, Ryan Douglas, Dan Thompson, Joe Thompson.
NEWCASTLE: Thomas Jorgensen, Adam Roynon r/r, Connor Mountain, Max Clegg, Matthew Wethers, James Wright, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn.
