Tigers
Target Stoke
Posted 21/04/05
Tigers head down to Loomer Road on Saturday
hoping to inflict the first home defeat of the season on the Potters
and keep our slender chance of qualification from the Northern section
alive.
Stoke have not particularly impressed
so far this season and have been decimated by injury - Newcastle came
close to inflicting their first home defeat of the season last Saturday
in a controversial meeting.
Stoke will once again have a guest
in for the injured Staechmann and whilst no-one has been confirmed
yet the jungle drums are suggesting it may be an Australian rider
Glasgow know well who would significantly strengthen Stoke and as
a result face the Tigers two days running.
Concentrating on those who are known
to be riding, Alan Mogridge has been riding well but from the middle
order. He may find things slightly harder in the number 5 berth he
now occupies following the signing of Peter Carr. Carr himself is
adjusting to being back on track although he will no doubt have a
confidence boosting meeting at his old hunting ground on the Friday
night. He cannot be underestimated and can be expected to cause the
Tigers problems. Paul Clews has struggled at home the past two or
three meetings but still managed to score four or five points.
The one rider who has really been
firing on all cylinders at home for Stoke this year is Robbie Kessler
and the German will take some stopping. Riding in the middle order,
he is potentially the biggest threat to Glasgow in terms of points
scoring. It will be interesting to see how Rob Grant reacts to the
accusations and SCB inquiry hanging over his head from last weeks
meeting but in all honesty neither he or Barrie Evans are reserves
to be feared, even on their home track.
George Stancl has the advantage of
having ridden at Stoke already this season when guesting for them
at the beginning of the month and scoring an impressive 13 from 5.
He will find the opposition tougher this time but on his current form
will be confident of scoring well. Shane will be hoping to avoid any
of the controversy from last seasons league meeting at Stoke and although
it is one of his poorer tracks it is one that Paul Bentley tends to
go well on. A decent return on one of his better tracks could just
be what Paul needs to boost his confidence although against Carr and
Kessler it will not be easy. Changing the riding order to have Banger
at no 2 against the weaker Clews could be to Glasgow's advantage but
it seems unlikely that this will happen. Matthew may well struggle
although could push Clews whilst once more it is a smaller track and
not one that Jamie Birkinshaw will relish.
The reserve slots are where Glasgow
should come out on top. James Cockle will be riding the track at Premier
League level for the first time although he has ridden it an CL level.
As long as he can control his nerves he will be looking for a reasonable
return. Undoubtedly Trent is potentially Glasgow's trump card and
will be looking to show the Loomer Road faithful what they are missing.
He is still very popular amongst the Stoke support and will no doubt
be looking forward to this meeting.
Overall, with the new strength of
their middle order and current weakness of Glasgow's, Stoke look unlikely
to be beaten. However, Glasgow should get the better of the battle
of the reserves and whilst the Stoke guest is currently unknown, Parker
and particularly Stancl should cause the home team a few problems.
Glasgow must keep this one tight to give a good chance of the bonus
point when the home leg is rescheduled.
Admission Prices for Travelling Fans:
-
Adults £11
Children (under 16) £4
OAP's £7
Programme free with admission
