Elite League
Poole Speedway: Twenty twenty Pirates
By Nick
Jul 8, 2008, 23:17

CASTLE COVER PIRATES boss Matt Ford is targeting a 20-point plan for the Dorset side from their last 11 league matches between now and the end of September to confirm a quality finish among the play-off pacesetters at the top of the Elite League.

Ford revealed: “We have seven meetings left at home and four away. If we can keep an unbeaten home record and win two out of our last four away I think we will be in a great position in the final table for a genuine push into the play-off semi-finals.”

The Poole chief was speaking after the club’s win at Coventry on Friday, the team’s sixth away league win in eight matches.

Ford added: “Any side who can win six in eight away matches must be considered genuine play-off contenders. If we can steer clear of injuries I have absolute faith that this team can deliver.”

First opponents for Pirates in Ford’s plan of action is Ipswich at Wimborne Road tomorrow night (Wed), the team who lowered Poole’s colours at the end of May when they won by 10 points to destroy the Dorset club’s unbeaten home record.

“We’re not underestimating Ipswich by any means,” said Ford. “But with no Chris Harris for Chris Louis and no Piotr Swiderski at reserve this time, I believe the Witches are a different proposition.

“But you can be sure the Poole riders will be ready for any Witches onslaught tomorrow night. It should be a fascinating contest and intriguing to see the difference a couple of months can make.

“The incentive for Bjarne (Pedersen) and the boys is to take a five-point lead at the top of the Elite League table before we take a fortnight break for the World Cup and return with Belle Vue on Wednesday, July 23.

“Obviously our play-off rivals have matches in which to reduce the deficit at the top. But it’s up to us to keep winning fixtures.”

Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch keep the same side that convincingly beat Coventry last week, while Ipswich use the rider replacement facility for Chris Louis who is sidelined with a broken arm.

Starting line – ups

POOLE : Chris Holder, Magnus Zetterstrom, Dave Watt, Adam Skornicki, Bjarne Pedersen, Freddie Eriksson, Daniels Davidsson.

IPSWICH : Piotr Swiderski,  r/r for Chris Louis, Jarke Hampel, Steve Johnston, Robert Miskowiak, Tobi Kroner, Chris Schramm.