With three successive Ashfield wins under our belts, the Allied Vehicles Tigers have reason to believe that they’re now performing better than at any point this season – which sets up this Sunday’s Scottish Premier League derby clash with some added bite.
No Tigers fan will need reminded that Edinburgh have yet to experience the taste of defeat since the 2014 season commenced back in March – an unbeaten run which now stretches to 22 with the Monarchs having won again last night at Redcar.
Unfortunately the Tigers have suffered at the hands of the Monarchs more than any other side this season, however there remains a belief that we are as well placed as any other team to become the first to outscore them over 15 heats.
Unquestionably Glasgow will have to be more clinical in our gating, avoiding last places, minimising errors and protecting points scoring places if we are to get across that final chequered flag with a with, a point shared by team boss Stewart Dickson:
“We’re going to need all the luck that’s going for us, and maybe a bit of bad luck for them, but you just never know.
“We need everyone to be on top of their game and not throwing points away. We need no bad luck and no mistakes, and we need to give them a match. I think we will give them a match.
“I’ve been topping up the dirt on the track from last week and topping up the clay to make it grippy – so weather permitting, the track will be as close as it can get to last Sunday.
“The riders asked for more dirt, they’ve got it, and they’ve had a meeting to bed in. So, hopefully the riders will have their set-ups even better for Sunday, because they’ll know the way it’s going to be.”
Tigers will again be missing Christian Henry (who now plans to return to the side for our next home fixture against Scunthorpe) and will operate rider replacement to cover.
Stewart Dickson has re-shuffled the riding order with Anders Thomsen moved to No.2, swapping positions with Christian, and has turned to former Tiger Mason Campton to guest at No.7 whilst we await the track return of Dimitri Berge.
With the latest averages having taken effect, Edinburgh will no longer have the benefit of being able to track Steve Worrall at reserve which could reduce their points potential although both new reserves Aaron Fox and Derek Sneddon have decent scoring records around Ashfield. Of course the Monarchs will again be spearheaded by new British No.2 Craig Cook, ably supported by Sam Masters and Max Fricke who makes a quick return to Ashfield following his headline scoring feat for Plymouth last Sunday.
Once again the Tigers will look to continued strong performances from our heat leaders all of whom have shown a recent upturn in points scoring, and could well have a key man in Anders Thomsen who is fit and raring to go again having been forced to withdraw early from each of our last two home meetings.
Full line-ups for Sunday are:
GLASGOW 1 Kevin Wölbert 2 Anders Thomsen 3 Christian Henry R/R 4 Theo Pijper (C) 5 Rusty Harrison 6 Kasper Lykke Nielsen 7 Mason Campton (Guest) 8 Ryan MacDonald
EDINBURGH 1 Craig Cook 2 Justin Sedgmen 3 Max Fricke 4 Steve Worrall 5 Sam Masters 6 Aaron Fox 7 Derek Sneddon (C)
It will take a strong, flawless effort from the home side if we are to create the headlines we’d all like to read on Sunday night – once again though there are many questions to be answered and many talking points to look forward to before determining who will bank the league points. Entertainment guaranteed!
Despite the prospect of some rain showers on Sunday, please remember that our default intention is for this meeting to go ahead. We will only update our website and social media if we cannot safely stage the meeting – so, it is on until we announce differently! Remember too that you can contact the stadium direct on race day.
Food Bank Thanks
We were staggered by the very positive response to our food bank appeal launched last week, with many of you showing your generosity and understanding through depositing donations at Ashfield last Sunday.
As previously advised we will be collecting further donations on Sunday, and at each of our meetings during the month of July – please continue to support this initiative, thank you.
Monday Night to the Maximum
We all know that we don’t like Monday’s …and often a Monday evening isn’t a lot better (unless there’s speedway on TV of course!). We also know that, for some folk, being able to come along to Ashfield on a Sunday afternoon can be difficult
So, make a date in your diary now to ensure that you come along to cheer on the Tigers when we next take to track here at Ashfield as we stage Monday night speedway to do battle with Scunthorpe Scorpions next Monday, 14th July @7:15pm (gates will open at 6:15pm).
With a rare evening speedway occasion, please help us spread the word and arrange for family, friends or work colleagues to come along and enjoy the fastest family fun in town.
Tigers Merchandise
If you’re heading to Cardiff next weekend and have yet to pick up your Tigers merchandise, please make sure that you pay a visit to Colin & Margaret at our track shop this Sunday.
If perhaps you’re heading off soon on your summer holiday, why not wear the Tigers colours when you’re there? Have a look at our online shop here else look at our samples on display at the track shop before placing an order.
End of Season Dance
With no such event held last season, we expect there will be big demand this year and will be offering the ability to pay for your ticket in instalments
Listen out for details on Sunday!
Enjoy your weekend, look forward to your company on Sunday afternoon.