BELLE VUE v POOLE

The final chapter of the Volvo Cars Poole Pirates effectively begins this week as they face home and away contests with league leaders Belle Vue Aces, beginning on Monday with a trip to the National Stadium.

The recent string of results have left Poole clinging on to the all-important fourth qualifying spot for the play-offs but their position is far from secure and will need to start putting points on the board again very soon.

"It is going to need something really special to get back to winning ways as Belle Vue are not top for no reason and whilst we took two points from them last time we were up there we have not been performing too well of late. " admits Matt Ford. "Hopefully we can turn things round quite quickly though as the though of not making those play-offs is one I do not want to contemplate."

The Aces currently enjoy a two point lead over newly installed second place side Swindon, the side that last beat the Pirates with Poole a further five points adrift. The table-toppers have named a full one-to-seven for the meetings this week but there have been injury concerns over British champion and club captain Craig Cook. He had to withdraw from this weekends World Games in Poland.

Poole continue to operate with Richie Worrall as cover for Brady Kurtz as the 28-day facility continues for the Pirates which means he will come up against his twin brother Steve.

Monday teams (from)

Belle Vue - Kenneth Bjerre, Craig Cook (capt), Max Fricke, Rohan Tungate, Steve Worrall, Dan Bewley, Jack Smith Team manager Mark Lemon

Poole - Hans Andersen (capt), Jack Holder,  Edward Kennett, Timo Lahti, Richie Worrall, James Shanes, Paul Starke Team manager Neil Middleditch.