LEICESTER wrap up their regular away league programme when they visit King’s Lynn on Thursday (7.30pm) looking to keep their current momentum going.
Recent home wins over the Stars and leaders Belle Vue have confirmed a play-off place for the Watling JCB Lions, and they are currently in the box seat to finish second in the standings, which would enable them to have choice of legs in the semi-finals.
A win at the Adrian Flux Arena would secure the runners-up position, whilst the aggregate point on Thursday – for which the Lions lead 52-38 – would mean any win at home to Ipswich on Monday would also be sufficient.
They face a King’s Lynn side who are in last chance saloon for their own play-off chances, as they are currently five points behind Ipswich who hold fourth place.
The Stars must win on Thursday to retain any hope of finishing in the top four, and even if that happens they also need Ipswich to fail to beat Belle Vue at Foxhall in order to remain in the hunt heading into next week.
Lions have a good record at the Adrian Flux Arena, having won on five of their seven visits since returning to the Premiership in 2023.
That includes a 47-43 victory earlier this season in a tight encounter when the lead changed hands on several occasions before a 5-1 from Ryan Douglas and Sam Masters in Heat 13 proved crucial, followed up by a 4-2 from the Thompson twins in Heat 14 which put them into a winning position.
The home side are unchanged from last week’s match at the Hydroscand Arena, whilst the visitors retain the riding order which has become established in recent home matches, and 2023 Lions rider Jake Allen comes in to guest at reserve for the retired Kyle Howarth.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “We want to get more points on the board, and that’s the plan to keep riding well and building confidence ahead of the play-offs.
“The riders who we’re using as guests at the moment are basically getting trials and I’ll go with the best one when the play-offs come around.
“Some averages might change come October should we still be involved then, but for the moment it’s a case of horses for courses.
“I think it’s fair to say we’re not getting the points that Kyle would have got at reserve, but Jake did okay for us at King’s Lynn when he rode for us before, and he was up for the gig on Thursday so we’ll see how he gets on.”
Unfortunately King’s Lynn do not live stream their home matches so the only way to watch the action is to be at the Adrian Flux Arena in person.
For those unable to make it, our social media channels will keep you in touch whilst live scores will be available from the BSP’s official updates service at https://live.britishspeedway.co.uk/ .
KING’S LYNN: Max Fricke, Ben Cook, Jan Kvech, Cooper Rushen, Chris Harris, Jordan Jenkins, Jody Scott.
LEICESTER: Ryan Douglas, Drew Kemp, Sam Masters, Dan Thompson, Nick Morris, Jake Allen, Joe Thompson.
