Elite League
Poole Speedway: Match preview - Pirates v Belle Vue Aces
By Nick
May 13, 2008, 19:43

POOLE Castle Cover Pirates can complete a dramatic fourth successive win in seven days to move to the top of the Sky Sports Elite League if they beat Belle Vue at fortress Wimborne Road tomorrow night (Wednesday). Victories at Peterborough last Thursday and a sensational win at title-challenging Eastbourne last night (Monday) have propelled the Dorset side to a potential place at the Elite summit. All that despite a catalogue of injuries to four key members of the side.

Castle Cover Pirates promoter Matt Ford paid tribute to the riders who have carried the fight in spite of the problems and have the opportunity to move ahead of rivals Swindon at the top - for at least 24 hours when Swindon race against Lakeside on Thursday.

Ford admitted: "It's been a terrific six days and will be capped off if we win against Belle Vue tomorrow. I have nothing but admiration for the way in which the team have overcome adversity to get us into this position. The introduction of assets Magnus Zetterstrom and Daniel Davidsson into the side on Monday along with Krysz Kasprzak last week has helped stabilise a side that was cripped with injuries to Bjarne Pedersen, Karol Zabik and Zibi Suchecki, plus an early season broken wrist to Adam Skornicki.”

"Even down to Craig Watson, who was outstanding in our win at Peterborough last week. They have all played their part and I know the team are all looking forward to coming home tomorrow night to race against Belle Vue."

And Pirates supremo Ford is calling on the huge fan base of Poole fans to roar the team home to the top of the league with a win against a Belle Vue side led by double world champion and former Pirate No 1 Jason Crump.

He added: "The team couldn't have done more than win at Peterborough and Eastbourne in the last five days to put us in this position. Of course, there is a long way to go, but the team has put the club in a great position. After the problems we've had, we have no right to be challenging for top place but we've got to keep the momentum going. I believe with the fans help we can do that tomorrow against the Aces."

Stand-in skipper Skornicki's 18-point haul in Sussex on Monday night was a match-winning performance. The Pole lines up against his former team tomorrow night. "I'm confident he'll get the biggest ovation by supporters after his heroics at Eastbourne," said Ford.

Former skipper Magnus Zetterstrom, who scored an impressive seven points (paid eight) in his first meeting back for the Pirates at Eastbourne on Monday, revealed he is champing at the bit at the thought of returning to Wimborne Road after lifting the league and cup double four years ago.

He said: "I'm delighted to be back. I thought my days were numbered riding in England after there was no place for me at Somerset this season, but this move is a dream come true.

"It's been a bit of frantic time getting equipment together, but Wednesday night cannot come quick enough. It will be great to be back among so many old friends.

"Hopefully we can beat the Aces, move to the top of the table and enjoy the moment."

Teams:

CASTLE COVER PIRATES: 1 Krysz Kasprzak, 2 Freddie Eriksson, 3 Chris Holder, 4 Magnus Zetterstrom, 5 Davey Watt, 6 Daniel Davidsson, 7 Adam Skornicki. Team manager: Neil Middleditch.

BELLE VUE: 1 Jason Crump, 2 Lucas Jankowski, 3 Charlie Gjedde, 4 Lewis Bridger, 5 Joe Screen, 6 Jonas Raun, 7 Nick Simmons. Team manager: Chris Morton