TOP MEN MISS THE ACES TRIP

Having narrowly despatched one of Matt Ford's firm favourites for the play-off spots, Wolverhampton, on Wednesday night to move into second place, the VOLVO CARS POOLE PIRATES could find themselves knocked out of that position when they travel to the home of the other Ford's favourites, Belle Vue.

The trip to the New National Stadium will be made by a none too-familiar side as the Pirates will be without their inspirational skipper Hans Andersen, who has a Danish commitment and rider replacement will operate for him which means all members of the side are eligible to cover a ride.

One of those options however will not be Grzegorz Zengota as he too misses the meeting due to his engagement in the Polish championships, a semi-final round, and so Ford has opted to bring in Troy Batchelor as guest cover.

For the second successive meeting Poole will have Leicester and Sheffield rider Josh Bates occupying a reserve berth as continued cover for the injured Nicolai Klindt.

The Aces, currently in 5th place will overhaul the Pirates if they repeat the verdict of their Knockout cup encounter back in April.

Mark Lemon's side ran out 57-33 on that occasion and they field the same seven riders this Friday (June 9th).

Andersen's absence will see vice-captain Kyle Newman step into the breach as leader of the Pirates, who have so far on their 5 away SGB Premiership matches yielded at least a point in each.

Teams

Belle Vue: Max Fricke, Steve Worrall, Kenneth Bjerre, Justin Sedgmen, Craig Cook (Capt), Dan Bewley, Jack Smith Team Manager Mark Lemon

Poole: Troy Batchelor (Guest), Jack Holder, Kyle Newman (Capt), Brady Kurtz, Rider Replacement, Josh Bates (Guest), James Shanes Team Manager Neil Middleditch