Speedway: Aces high for crucial clash at Armadale

Published on Thursday 22 October 2009 09:45

BELLE VUE ACES speedway team manager Chris Morton today said his side would be taking nothing for granted in their promotion/relegation matches against Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs.

The Manchester outfit, who are striving to retain their Elite League status, travel to Armadale for the first leg on Saturday night.

Monarchs, who retained their play-off trophy by ousting favourites King's Lynn Stars in midweek, are expected to give the Aces a run for their money, and Morton is aware of just how strong the Capital side are round their Lothian Arena home.

Morton said: "We are taking these matches very seriously because we have riders in our team who have never been to Edinburgh before.

"We are certainly not taking anything for granted simply because Edinburgh race in a lower division from us."

The Aces will be minus their world champion Jason Crump who returned to hospital this week for further examinations on his injured arm which he sustained in a crash at Ipswich last month.

But Stockport ace James Wright returns for the Aces following his tumble, also at Ipswich, during Great Britain's Under-25 Test defeat against Australia a week ago.

Morton added: "James is still feeling a bit battered and bruised but it's great to have him back for these important fixtures."

Ulrich Ostergaard will partner Richard Sweetman at reserve but Morton will have to find cover at the top end for Crump and Lubos Tomicek, who is also sidelined.

Monarchs boss John Campbell commented: "I think we'll run Belle Vue very close."

Belle Vue host the second leg on Monday.