MATCH PREVIEW: MIDDLESBROUGH TIGERS vs OXFORD CHARGERS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE | ECCO ARENA | FRIDAY MAY 1ST

The Middlesbrough Tigers return to home action tonight on the back of a historic result — securing both their first away NDL win and their first-ever victory over the Oxford Chargers last Sunday.

It was an outstanding all-round team performance at Cowley, led superbly by skipper Ace Pijper, but there will be no room for complacency. The Chargers remain a formidable outfit, featuring five riders from last season’s Championship-winning side, along with an inspirational captain who knows his way around the ECCO Arena.

The Tigers make two changes for the clash. Freddy Hodder comes into the side to replace Nathan Ablitt, who is on Championship duty with Scunthorpe, while former Redcar Cub Seth Norman lines up at No.2 in place of Kai Ward, who has made the decision to step away from the sport.

Both guests are more than capable of stepping in, and the Tigers will be looking for another strong team performance as they aim to build momentum early in the season.

Oxford, meanwhile, will arrive determined to respond after last weekend’s defeat on home shale, setting up what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Middlesbrough: Ace Pijper, Seth Norman (G), Stene Pijper, Jade Mudgway, Freddy Hodder (G), Harry Sadler, Charlie Southwick

Oxford: Jody Scott, Mason Watson, Senna Summers, Ashton Vale, Daryl Ritchings, Harry Fletcher, Max Broadhurst