SHEFFIELD’s rearranged date with league leaders Ipswich takes place at Owlerton on Wednesday night (September 3, 7.30pm).
The two were due to meet in the Steel City last Thursday, but a heavy pre-meeting downpour saw the scheduled fixture postponed.
It was quickly agreed that they would try again this Wednesday – and top spot in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership remains up for grabs, despite Sheffield leaving King’s Lynn empty handed on Monday.
If the Tigers claim maximum points against the Witches across Wednesday and the return leg in Suffolk on Thursday, that would see them snatch first place and set up a play-off semi-final tie with Belle Vue.
But if Ipswich were to at least draw one of the two remaining regular fixtures, that would see Sheffield face Leicester in the week commencing Monday, September 15.
Tigers’ team boss Simon Stead says he has no real preference to who he would rather race in the semi-finals and for now is just interested to see how his side compete against Ipswich who were tipped as the pre-season title favourites.
“Our position within the top four is cemented and has been for a while,” Stead said.
“It’s now just a matter of where we finish and to be honest, I’m not that bothered at this stage.
“Yes it would be nice if we could finish top once again but to do that, we’ve got to beat Ipswich home and away.
“They’re a top team who have been at the pointy end of the table all season so in that respect it’s a good challenge for us and I’m looking forward to seeing how we get on across the two meetings.
“But whatever happens, the play-offs are just around the corner now and we’ll be ready to take on whoever we get in those!”
Sheffield are at full strength and once again try out the riding order used at King’s Lynn on Monday whilst Ipswich are without Jason Doyle and Adam Ellis due to Danish League fixtures. Chris Harris and former Sheffield captain Kyle Howarth step in as guests for the visitors.
Supporters who obtained their re-admission tickets from last Thursday’s postponement can use them at this Wednesday’s home fixture ONLY.
In addition, anyone who purchased Issue 14 of ‘Tiger Talk’, the official racenight programme of Sheffield Speedway, last Thursday is advised to bring that to the track with them to receive a free, updated insert at the programme stand upon entry – otherwise, a full original programme with insert will need to be purchased for £4.
Turnstiles open at 6pm with admission on the night £25 adults, £23 concessions (over 65s and students – both with evidence), £5 juniors (aged 12-17), whilst it’s just £1 for all kids aged 11 and under.
Supporters are also reminded that the Carvery Restaurant, Panorama Room and Snack Bar will all be open as usual.
If anyone has difficulty in attending the restaging date who gained admission to last week’s postponed attempt, supporters should e-mail re-admission ticket details and bank details to office@sheffield-speedway.com no later than 5pm on Wednesday (September 3) and refunds will be issued by the end of the week.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Leon Flint, Chris Holder, Nick Morris, Josh Pickering, Anders Rowe, Jye Etheridge.
IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Danny King, Chris Harris, Dan Thompson, Tom Brennan, Kyle Howarth, Jason Edwards.
