CASTLE COVER Pirates supremo Matt Ford is billing tomorrow night's Sky Sports Elite League clash between Poole and Eastbourne as potentially one of the great track battles.

Ford admitted: 'Both teams have named full-strength teams, it's a local derby against an Eastbourne team who have riders with past experience of riding for the Pirates, we're unbeaten in our last six league matches, Eagles are undefeated in their last five. It's currently first against fourth in the table and could be a rehearsal to either the play-off semi or final later in the season.”

“It's set up perfectly for a head to head clash. The last time we tasted defeat in the league was at home against Peterborough on June 4. Since that depressing defeat, the team has taken on a new tougher stance and has won impressively at Coventry, Ipswich and Wolverhampton.”

“But Eastbourne have found a second wind after losing home matches against the Pirates and Ipswich. They believe a play-off place is still well within their grasp. I'm sure they will see a possible win at Poole as a result that would help them considerably in their quest. It has all the ingredients of being a wonderful encounter against our old foes. The likes of former Poole men Scott Nicholls, Lee Richardson and Eddie Kennett are certainly going to keep us on our toes.”

Ford also took time out to lavish praise on home hero, Aussie sensation Chris Holder, after his 15-point maximum last Wednesday against Belle Vue. He added: 'Over the past four months we have watched Chris take impressive strides to professional maturity. Last week was another example of how he has taken a next step up with his second full score of the campaign.

“ Without question, the sky is the limit for him, but it's nice to be able to sit back and watch a rider who has the ability to reach the sport's summit riding so well in the skull and crossbones.”

Castle Cover Pirates :    Chris Holder, Magnus Zetterstrom, Dave Watt, Adam Skornicki, Bjarne Pedersen, Freddie Eriksson, Daniel Davidsson. :  Team Manager Neil Middleditch.

Eastbourne :  Scott Nicholls, Lewis Bridger, Lee Richardson ( captain ) Cameron Woodward, Eddie Kennett, Simon Gustafsson, James Brundle.  Team Manager Trevor Geer.