STEWART Dickson says his riders are “hurting” from their League Cup final first-leg defeat – and insists they have the character to challenge in the second leg tonight.
The Tigers head to Somerset trying to overturn a six-point lead for the Rebels.
But the Ashfield men were leading in their last outing at the Oaktree Arena a few weeks back when that match was called to a halt.
And Dickson says they’re ready to give it their “best shot” this time around.
He said: “Sunday’s defeat was a shame, because we’ve worked really hard to get to the League Cup final.
“But we will go down there and give it our best shot. I’m not going to be daft – I know it’s going to be tough, but we’re still in the hunt for three trophies the way it stands now. Obviously, though, they’re favourites.”
He added: “I hope to see a reaction from the team in the next few meetings. It’s the eight of us together and I’m pretty sure we’ll get it back on course.
“Do they have the character? I would like to think so – in fact, I definitely think they do have. The guys are hurting.
“When it comes to these finals it’s not about points money, it’s about winning trophies. Nobody likes to lose at home, especially not in a cup final.
“But I think you’ll find the Tigers will bounce back.
“The season’s got a long way to go and we’re determined to put some silverware on the table. Although we’ve made it very hard for ourselves after Sunday, in speedway, who knows?”
Tonight’s meeting starts at 7.30pm. The home team are boosted by another guest appearance from Josh Bates at reserve in place of the injured Bradley Wilson-Dean.