Boss calls for big night focus

Team manager Stewart Dickson is demanding that his side maintains total focus despite the tantalising prospect of reaching a Knockout Cup final for the first time in 37 years.

Having restricted holders Poole Pirates to a four-point lead after Wednesday’s first leg in Dorset many see the R.E.D Bandits, powered by STS as favourites to progress when the tie is decided at Shielfield Park tomorrow (7pm).

But Dickson, a cup winner with Premiership Leicester last season, warns there is still a lot of work to be done.

“We’ve won nothing and reached nowhere just because we did well at Poole,” he said. “The Pirates like our place and it is always tight – recent meetings between the sides have been decided by two points and another was a draw.

“If we are to reach a final then we have to work very hard and make no mistakes on the night.

“It looks like there will be a big crowd. It’s been a long time since Berwick was challenging for finals and silverware and the town’s response has been very positive.”

Peter Kildemand, who missed Wednesday’s first leg, returns to the Berwick side which operates rider-replacement for Lasse Fredriksen who is competing in the Norwegian championships.

Opponents Poole also welcome back their number one, Richard Lawson, who is a regular heavy scorer around Shielfield. They are also missing first leg top scorer Will Cairns who is attempting to qualify for the SGP2 series, Redcar’s Simon Lambert guests.

And the Pirates turn to rider-replacement for Australian Fraser Bowes, missing after aggravating a back injury and withdrawing from the first leg after two rides. Their Friday night showdown with Glasgow with Jordan Jenkins and Jack Smith booked in as guests for Cains and Mario Hausl, was called off earlier today due to forecast thunderstorms.

Berwick’s last cup final appearance came in 1989 when they beat Poole comfortably on aggregate having restricted them to a four-point lead in the first leg. Since then they have managed just two semi-final appearances, the last of which came in 2005.

Tickets for Saturday’s semi-final are on sale Here Cash turnstiles open at 6pm on the night. accompanied under-16s are admitted free. If you are unable to make it trackside then the meeting will be broadcast live on BSN.

Berwick: Peter Kildemand, Jye Etheridge, Victor Palovaara, Rider-replacement for Lasse Fredriksen, Nick Morris, Jack Smith, Jordan Jenkins

Poole: Richard Lawson, Rider replacement for Fraser Bowes, Lewis Kerr, Cooper Rushen, Zach Cook, Simon Lambert, Kyle Newman