May insists only a victory will do in quest for the play-offs

NOTHING but a victory will do for team manager Garry May tonight as his Plymouth Gladiators get back on track and resume their stop-start season against the Berwick Bandits at the Coliseum.

- STUART JAMES

After yet another postponement seven days ago – that is six in succession for the Gladiators now – they have not ridden together since a 48-41 loss at Redcar in June 23. Their last meeting at home was on June 20, so it is now six weeks since speedway fans last saw their team on home shale, but the forecaset looks good for tonight.

Many riders have ridden for their other teams during that time, but feel for Ben Barker, who has had no track time due to him having only one club this year. It is also worth remembering that, in an attempt to address their misfortunes – the Gladiators have lost their last nine meetings, winless since beating Scunthorpe on May 2, and in danger of missing the play-offs – May and promoter Mark Phillips have mixed things up, which will hopefully bring about a change in fortune.

One of those riders coming in is Aussie teenager Dan Thompson. Regular watchers of the Elite League coverage on Eurosport will have seen him turn in some impressive performances for Ipswich Witches, especially last Monday when their ‘Rising Star’ scored a superb 9+4 from five rides as his team secured an impressive 53-37 win at Leicester.

He is yet to debut at the Coliseum but will do tonight, weather permitting. “Dan has been riding really well and I just hope he brings that form to us,” May said.