FOXES v LEICESTER, PREVIEW
NORTHAMPTON have a rapid chance to bounce back to winning ways when they host Leicester in a big local derby at the Shaleway on Monday (7.30pm).
The Foxes were well beaten by impressive leaders Belle Vue last week, although there were some mitigating factors on that occasion including them being without two riders.
Nicolai Klindt was absent due to a Polish commitment, which was a position the Foxes were unable to fill to their satisfaction as guest Justin Sedgmen unfortunately failed to score.
Klindt is back for the clash with the Lions where he will form a middle order combination with recent signing Adam Ellis, who along with Mitch McDiarmid will be back for a second appearance at the Shaleway.
McDiarmid displayed plenty of encouraging signs on Thursday, and he will have an important part to play at reserve as both the Foxes and the Lions are missing riders in that position.
Luke Harrison remains sidelined for Northampton following his crash at Poole last week, and locally-based Freddy Hodder this time steps in for him at No.7.
Meanwhile the Lions, who are second in the league table after a big home win over Sheffield on Thursday, are yet to sign a replacement for the retired Kyle Howarth, and they bring in former King’s Lynn rider Paco Castagna to guest.
Leicester were of course the first team to be beaten by the Foxes on a memorable night at the Shaleway in May, but they have still put together a strong season underpinned by a faultless home record, and they clinched the KO Cup for the second year running last month.
They have away wins at Ipswich and King’s Lynn to their name but have been inconsistent at times on the road, including heavy recent defeats at Belle Vue and Sheffield.
The aggregate point is also available with Leicester 49-41 up from the reverse fixture at the Hydroscand Arena earlier last month.
Jaimon Lidsey top-scored for the Foxes against Belle Vue with a strong 12 points despite misfortune when he retired from his second ride after his spokes were taken out in a clash with Peter Kildemand.
And he’s hoping he can build on that positive performance as the Foxes look to secure their third home win of the season.
Lidsey said: “It’s about time – I’ve been struggling a bit and trying to find my feet equipment-wise, and working things out.
“Hopefully we’re on the way up. There’s not long left but still time to sort stuff out, so it’s an important time and I’m just trying to knuckle down and finish the year strong,
“We’ve got a few more matches at home coming up, and it’s good for us getting to ride on the same track all the time.
“Hopefully we can finish with a couple of wins, that would be super-nice for us riders, the club and all the fans who come to support us every week.
“The new boys will find their feet. It’s a bit of a tough track, and I’m sure next meeting they will be more ready for it. I think they’ll be fine from now on.”
Supporters are reminded to bring Thursday’s programme back with them as it also contains Monday’s racecard and Leicester team details. For those unable to attend, the meeting will be live streamed on Foxes TV at https://www.northamptonfoxestv.com/ .
NORTHAMPTON: Niels-Kristian Iversen, Kye Thomson, Nicolai Klindt, Adam Ellis, Jaimon Lidsey, Mitch McDiarmid, Freddy Hodder.
LEICESTER: Ryan Douglas, Drew Kemp, Nick Morris, Dan Thompson, Sam Masters, Paco Castagna, Joe Thompson.
*ADAM Ellis just missed out on a semi-final place in Saturday’s Cab Direct British Final at Belle Vue.
Ellis won his first ride and was well placed with six points after three outings, but a surprise last place in Heat 15 left him under pressure.
He needed to win a tough Heat 20 to make it through in the top six, but although he made the start he was quickly passed by Robert Lambert, leaving him one point short of progression.
Lambert won the meeting to take the title for a third time whilst Charles Wright and Leon Flint were second and third ahead of impressive youngster Cooper Rushen.