Allen ready for Play-Off adventure!
Redcar’s Jake Allen is predicting a closely fought tussle with the Edinburgh Monarchs as both clubs bid to reach the play-off semi-finals in the first leg this evening (18:30 start) at the Media Prima Arena. Sunday has become the first leg due to the initial first staging being postponed due to a waterlogged Armadale track.
Allen believes the Bears have the stomach for the battle ahead, “To get through is going to be difficult but I believe we have the ability to do it. We have already ran a lot of meetings using rider replacement this season with me taking an extra ride so it is something we are accustomed to.”
The Australian is acutely aware that a strong team effort is required, “I think we will do the job as long as all of the boys are firing. We will definitely miss Michael Palm-Toft but we win as a team and we lose as a team.”
Allen also knows how key he will be in Sunday’s first leg, “I have got a little bit of extra pressure on my shoulders as I will be taking an extra ride but at the end of the day we all need to make starts and get some race wins under our belt!”
The Julie Lewis Memorial runner up is targeting a strong lead to take to Armadale, “When we faced Edinburgh in the league we drew both meetings and I think both matches will be close. We need to focus on winning the meeting and taking a lead as big as possible back up to Edinburgh for the second leg.”
The Brisbane born star also welcomed the meeting being run in the evening, The first home Sunday match on an evening this season! “When we faced Edinburgh in May it was a day meeting and through no fault of anybody’s it became difficult to have any sort of home track due to the hot weather making the track dustier and slicker. We run most of our meetings at night and I believe we ride better when we have evening matches as that is when we usually ride.”
Sunday’s first hurdle to potential Championship silverware has been made more difficult due to the well publicised absence of Michael Palm-Toft. Toft is averaging 8.17 at the Media Prima Arena this season and rider replacement is the only option available to the Bears promotion to cover his rides. Otherwise, Redcar are unchanged from Friday’s planned trip to Edinburgh which fell foul of the weather.
Edinburgh welcome back Drew Kemp from under 21 World Championship duty in the Czech Republic whilst they bring in Mildenhall’s Jason Edwards to guest in place of Nathan Greaves. Finally, Anders Rowe has failed in his bid to be fit for the clash with rider replacement operating in his absence.
Any fans who cannot attend the Media Prima Arena for nail biting Play-Off action are encouraged to purchase the live stream for £9.99 here (http://www.redcar-speedway.com/tv)
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1. Charles Wright 8.49 (C)
2. James Sarjeant 4.26
3. Jake Allen 7.72
4 Rider Replacement for Michael Palm-Toft
5 Lewis Kerr 7.87
6. Ryan Kinsley 3.00
7. Jordan Jenkins 2*
TM Jade Mudgway
EDINBURGH “WHAT THE FORK” MONARCHS
1. Sam Masters 9.41 (C)
2. Rider Replacement for Anders Rowe
3. Kye Thomson 5.51
4. Josh Pickering 8.34
5. Richie Worrall 7.96
6. Drew Kemp 3*
7. Jason Edwards 3.91 (G)
TM John Campbell