Parr: Extra track time could be key!
Redcar team manager Gavin Parr believes Redcar’s extra competitive track time could play a decisive part in tonight’s KO Cup 1st round 1st leg at Shielfield Park with tapes up at 7pm. Last night’s planned 1st leg at the ECCO Arena was postponed due to inclement weather in the Teesside area.
Parr explained how last week’s challenge fixture against Newcastle was vital for his side, “ Having that extra track time was one of the reasons why we were so keen to have that challenge fixture against Newcastle. We didn’t want to be going into a KO Cup tie without being on track as a 1-7. I’m sure Berwick would’ve liked a fixture before they went straight into a cup tie so that may be an advantage for us.”
The Berwick promotion have opted to go for two 2 pointers at reserve in the shape of Connor Coles and Nathan Stoneman but Parr has dismissed any belief that the Bandits may be weak at reserve. “ I have seen Nathan Stoneman mix it with some of the best riders around and Connor Coles had a fantastic meeting against us for Scunthorpe last season.”
Parr also believes that Redcar’s extremely good record against Berwick counts for very little, “ We have 4 new riders in our side this season so I don’t take any notice of the record but I would like to win to keep Jade (Mudgway) off my back! It’s a new season and both teams have new riders so I don’t take notice of the record.”
The Geordie born Bear also believes now having the 2nd leg at home could play into Redcar’s hands, “ Having the 2nd leg back at the ECCO Arena gives us a little bit of an advantage for Sunday as we know what we have to do to get through but make no mistake, we are going to Berwick for the win!”
Remarkably, Redcar’s side have ridden in 72 heats in 2023 with the Bandits septet having ridden in only 8 heats.
The Bandits hand debuts to Connor Coles and Rory Schlein whilst Jye Etheridge has declared himself fit despite suffering a dislocated shoulder whilst riding in Sam Masters’ testimonial last Sunday at Wolverhampton.
Redcar will be looking to build on their win over a Newcastle select whilst also looking to progress into the KO Cup quarter-finals, a competition close to the hearts of many “Agilia” Bears fans after the club picked up the trophy after a memorable win over Newcastle in 2019.
Fans who are unable to make the trip to the borders are reminded that the meeting will be streamed live by the British Speedway Network. Additionally, supporters are also reminded that the return leg is now scheduled to take place this Sunday with tapes up at 5pm at the ECCO Arena.
Berwick Bandits
1 Thomas Jørgensen 9.53
2 Jonas Knudsen 5.00
3 Leon Flint 7.00 ©
4 Jye Etheridge 6.29
5 Rory Schlein 8.18
6 Connor Coles 2.00
7 Nathan Stoneman 2.00
TM: Gary Flint
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
- Erik Riss 8.24
- Connor Bailey 4.32
- Charles Wright © 7.40
- Danyon Hume 5.68
- Danny King 8.05
- Jason Edwards 3.80
- Jake Mulford 2.00
TM: Gavin Parr