Bring on the Bears

Your R.E.D Bandits, powered by STS, need to bounce back from last night’s disappointment at Armadale and concentrate on the MAXiCab Knockout Cup first leg against Redcar Bears.

“We did so many good things at Armadale, including picking up the aggregate point, but in the end it was very disappointing to lose,” team manager Stewart Dickson said.

“One or two little mistakes cost us dearly and we need to cut them out especially if we are to put ourselves in a good position in the cup.

“Drew, Craig and Peter continue to score the points while Danyon made a welcome return to form and Dayle once again came up with points when it mattered.

“There are still one or two areas to improve – when better than what is left of the weekend.

“The Bears are a good side with Charles Wright, Danny King and Jason Edwards riding Shielfield as well as any visiting riders.

“Again I stress that we need everyone doing their jobs on the night.

“The first target is to get the win. Then, and only then, can we start thinking of building a lead to take with us next Friday.”

Redcar reserve Tom Spencer and Ace Pijper both crashed out of their 51-39 victory over Workington on Friday night. Oxford Chargers’ Jody Scott and former Bandit and 2025 Glasgow Tiger Freddy Hodder guest.

Jack Smith makes his home debut after signing as a 28-day replacement for Bastian Borke. Tickets for tonight’s meeting are on sale here or cash-only turnstiles open at 6pm.

If you can’t make it then the meeting will be livestreamed by BanditsTV with James and Marty on-air from 6.50pm. Buy stream

A bit of weeknd rider news, Danyon along with Paco Castagna, has signed for Birmingham in the Premiership, replacing Antii Vuolas and with Matej Zagar still without a visa while Craig Cook replaces Francis Gusts in the Oxford Spires line-up. Danyon and Craig are programmed to each other for the Bandits tonight and at Glasgow tomorrow before a quick change of kevlars sees them in oppositon for the Bank Holiday double header at Oxford in the afternoon and Perry Barr in the evening.

Picture: Taz McDougall