Preview: Poole v King's Lynn

Co-promoter Danny Ford revealed reserve Ricky Wells had been riding through the pain barrier for the Pirates’ cause in recent weeks.

The American racer suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the campaign and has now been handed a week away from the shale to aid his recovery.

Wolverhampton reserve Ryan Douglas will guest for Wells when the Pirates take on King’s Lynn at Wimborne Road on Thursday (7.30pm), with Ford keen to ensure his septet atone for a poor performance against the Wolves a week ago.

Ford said: “Ricky sustained a shoulder injury earlier this season and the problem has intensified in recent weeks.

“Ricky being Ricky he didn’t want to feel like he was letting anyone down and was determined to carry on, but we felt a week off would do him good and help his recovery so Ryan will step in on Thursday.

“Ryan’s been in great form and scored paid 19 as a guest for Peterborough against Swindon on Monday night – hopefully he can perform like that again but in the Pirates race jacket.”

The Stars are sweating on the fitness of Michael Palm Toft and will operate rider replacement should the Dane not make Thursday’s clash at Wimborne Road.

Pirates: Brady Kurtz, Nico Covatti, Nicolai Klindt, Josh Grajczonek, Jack Holder, Thomas H Jonasson, Ryan Douglas (guest).

Stars: Robert Lambert, Michael Palm Toft or Rider Replacement, Erik Riss, Thomas Jorgensen, Craig Cook, Lewis Kerr, Nicklas Porsing.

Meanwhile, the dates for the SGB Premiership play-offs have been confirmed.

Each club has agreed to a date to host their home semi-final legs, with the dates as follows:

• Monday September 23: Poole
• Thursday September 26: Ipswich
• Monday September 30: Wolverhampton
• Thursday October 3: Swindon

The grand final will take place over two legs the following Monday and Thursday, October 7 and 10.

Picture: Taylor Lanning.