No fear, full focus – boss on semi-final test

R.E.D Bandits, powered by STS boss Stewart Dickson says his side is not overawed by the challenge of travelling to holders Poole in the first leg of the MAXICab Knockout Cup.

It is our first KO Cup semi-final since 2005 and we last engraved our name on the famous old trophy in 1989 – beating the Pirates in the final.

In contrast Poole have won four of the five cups since they stepped down to second tier in 2021 and were beaten by Scunthorpe in the other final.

A determination to avoid the traditional end of season rush to race the latter stages of competitions saw a commitment by both clubs to find suitable dates but as a result there is a conflict with the Danish League with both sides missing their number ones at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.

Poole have booked Chris Harris to cover for Richard Lawson while another former Bandits’ skipper and current Glasgow rider, Leon Flint, steps in to replace Peter Kildemand.

Dickson said: “I’ve seen in the past a lot of sides beaten even before they get to Poole. That will not be my team.

“We respect Poole and don’t underestimate the challenge ahead of us but it neither frightens nor daunts us. If you want to reach finals or go on to win competitions it is inevitable you have to tackle the Pirates at some point.

“Not having Peter is a shame because he has been in very good form since returning from injury but we just have to accept he isn’t there. We couldn’t have got a better guest than Leon Flint, you know you will get everything from him and he will be a positive influence in the pits.

“I‘m not setting any targets, we have to play the cards we are dealt on the night and then prepare for the second leg on Saturday.”

Those unable to travel to the south coast – where temperatures of 33 degrees are being forecast – can watch Wednesday’s action via the Poole streaming service. Buy stream here

Pirates: Chris Harris, Fraser Bowes, Lewis Kerr, Cooper Rushen, Zach Cook, Will Cairns, Kyle Newman

Bandits: Leon Flint, Jye Etheridge, Victor Palovaara, Lasse Fredriksen, Nick Morris, Jack Smith, Jordan Jenkins

Both sides will again be missing riders for the second leg at Shielfield Park – forecasts are for a more Northumbrian-friendly 23 degrees – on Saturday.

Will Cairns is riding in the SGP2 qualifiers and Redcar’s Simon Lambert guests in his place. Lasse Fredriksen is riding in the Norwegian Championship and with Plymouth and Edinburgh racing the same evening a lack of suitable guests on his average means the Bandits will operate rider-replacement

Tickets for Saturday’s meeting are on sale here Don’t forget check our Facebook and instagram pages for a chance to win a Golden Ticket – free admission for you and a friend, the opportunity to watch racing from the centre green and to have your picture taken with your favourite Bandit. Just comment, like, share and you could be watching the semi-final for free.

A winner will be declared at the end of Saturday’s semi-final even if the teams end up tied on aggregate. In that case who reaches the final will be decided by a Super Heat.

A reminder that this meeting is NOT covered in the Season Pass package. Season pass holders wishing to claim the discounted entry price of £18 can either book online using the concessionary rate button or pay cash at the Box Office on Saturday. Your card will be proof of eligibility.

Pictures: Keith Hamblin