Ipswich chairman Richard Coleman admits the Tru7 Group Witches will need the same spirit that saw them into the Rowe Motor Oil Premiership play-offs to overcome table-topping Belle Vue in Monday’s semi-final opener at Foxhall.
The reigning champions host the Aces in the first leg, with the teams meeting again in Manchester on Monday, September 28 for the decider.
Despite losing 49-41 at home to Belle Vue on September 10, the Witches bounced back with a fantastic 48-42 victory away to Leicester on September 14 that secured their top-four finish.
Coleman was impressed with the spirit his side showed at the Hydroscand Arena and admits they will need more of the same if they are to see off a stellar Belle Vue team, boasting world No.2 Brady Kurtz and former Ipswich favourite and 2017 Speedway GP world champion Jason Doyle.
He said: “Having lost at home to Belle Vue just a few days earlier, that victory at Leicester showed serious character, and we will need that again, and more, if we are to overcome the Aces and take our Premiership title defence into the Grand Final.
“With Speedway GP World Championship contender Brady Kurtz leading the way, we have a huge task on our hands. We are also up against a man very familiar to the Foxhall fans in Jason Doyle, who has played such a pivotal role in Witches’ success in recent years.
“But as skipper Danny King pointed out in a recent interview on WitchesTV, it’s not his track anymore, it’s ours, and I know the Ipswich riders will be determined to make the most of home advantage.”
The Witches are at full strength for the Aces meeting, and Coleman hopes their home advantage won’t just come from the Foxhall track.
He said: “Part of that home advantage comes from the terraces, and fans shouldn’t underestimate the role they play.
“Their support throughout the year has been vital to the team, and I want to say a special thank you to those who made the trip to Leicester. It really lifted everyone when the riders saw the fans on the track walk, and I’m delighted that we were able to bring home the points.
“While Monday is not our regular race day, we need everyone to create a big atmosphere at Foxhall as we aim to get the best result possible to take to Manchester.
“Our first objective in the league has been achieved, and that was making sure we are part of the play-offs. While Belle Vue has enjoyed an outstanding regular season, it all starts from zero in the play-offs. We may be the underdogs on paper, but the last time I checked, speedway wasn’t raced on paper.”
Advance tickets for the Rowe Motor Oil Premiership Play-Off Semi-Final, First Leg are available online HERE, with cash accepted at turnstiles on race day and card payments available at the entrance to the right. Season ticket holders paying with the correct amount in cash can enjoy early admission via their dedicated entrance gate.
For those unable to make it to Foxhall, streaming coverage is also available on the British Speedway Network HERE.
STARTING LINE-UPS
IPSWICH TRU7 GROUP WITCHES: 1. Richard Lawson, 2. Scott Nicholls, 3. Danny King (captain), 4. Tom Brennan, 5. Tobiasz Musielak, 6. Kevin Juhl Pedersen, 7. Jason Edwards.
BELLE VUE ACES: 1. Brady Kurtz (captain), 2. Norick Blödorn, 3 Peter Kildemand, 4. Zach Cook, 5 Jason Doyle, 6. Tate Zischke, 7. Will Cairns.