Hot Hammers set for bumper support!

Lakeside are hoping for their biggest crowd since promotion back to senior racing tonight.

The red-hot Hammers are in sizzling form ahead of the Knockout Cup tie with rivals Ipswich at the Arena Essex Raceway – and the weather is finally looking good for the meeting which is sponsored by local Essex based company ImageOn, the clubs merchandise partner.

Hammers are firm favourites to progress after racing to a 54-35 win at Foxhall in the first leg last night.

And boss Will Pottinger has warned them to guard against complacency and focus on maintaining their home dominance to set up a tie with Peterborough in the next round.

“We want to be winning at home whatever the circumstances,” Pottinger said.

“We’re continuing to build a home advantage with every meeting that passes, so we want to keep that unbeaten run going.

“I’m sure it still won’t be easy even though Ipswich will be a bit depleted. They’ve already been to the Raceway this season, and they’ll put all they learnt from their previous visit into practice. It should still be an exciting meeting and one we can’t take lightly.

“If we can win on the night, that would be an ideal way to get into the next round and hopefully go all the way in the Cup competition.”

Lakeside will again be at full strength, whilst Ipswich are without key duo Danny King and Nico Covatti. Former Hammers favourite Edward Kennett comes into the Witches side.

The main meeting (8pm) will be preceded by six heats of junior racing, getting underway at 7.20pm.

Lakeside Hammers:

Nick Morris, Ben Morley, Adam Ellis, Kyle Newman, Ricard Lawson, Zach Wajtknecht, Alfie Bowtell.

Ipswich Witches:

Edward Kennett, Nico Covatti R/R, Cameron Heeps, Michael Haertel, Rory Schlein, Connor Mountain, Danyon Hume.

Admission Details: Pay at the gate (cash and cards accepted)

  • Adults: £17
  • Concessions: £14* (concessions cover Male OAP’s 65 and over, female OAP’s 65 and over, Disabled, Unemployed, 17 and 18 year olds in full education and Students over 18)
  • Students 16yrs up £8
  • Kids (8-15) £1
  • 7 years and under free
  • Programme:  £3

(*proof of entitlement may be requested.)

Image: Kyle Newman & Adam Ellis  Image: Rafa Wlosek