Speedway: Glasgow Tigers revved-up for KO Cup derby cracker against Edinburgh Monarchs

Jun 29 2012 By Fraser Wilson

GLASGOW TIGERS boss Stewart Dickson reckons his on-form side can deliver a KO blow to rivals Edinburgh Monarchs in this weekend's double header Scottish derby cracker.

The sides go head to head in the annual Knockout Cup for the first time in 18 years - and on that last occasion Glasgow emerged victorious in an all-Scottish final.

Times have moved on since then though and, despite the Tigers' Premier League dominance last season and the Monarchs title triumph the year before, both now find themselves lingering at the bottom end of the table.

However, Dickson has taken heart from Sunday's 55-38 victory over Scunthorpe Scorpions and reckons his side are in good shape to avenge the early season trouncing at Armadale.

Tonight's first leg in the east is followed by the return at Ashfield on Sunday and Dickson said: "Earller on in the season we went down to a heavy defeat at Armadale and a similar performance would just about end this tie.

"But we are a stronger side now and they have not ridden at home in weeks. That should mean this tie is in the balance come Sunday.

"Our win last week was heartening and it appears that most of the side are in good form but as is always the case with a derby fixture, and one which is a knockout situation, adds a lot to the excitement. 

"If we race as hard as we can and if we can fight for every point, be it a race win or even a crucial third place, then I think we can come through. It does look like a case of which ever team wants it the most will get it."

Filip Sitera will miss the first leg for Glasgow as he is reserve at the GP qualifier but will return for the fixture on Sunday.

TEAMS:
Glasgow - Joe Screen, Chris Mills, Josh Grajczonek, Filip Sitera, James Grieves, Jayden Omalley, Mason Campton

Edinburgh - Craig Cook, Derek Sneddon, Theo Pijper, Matthew Wethers, Andrew Tully, Mikey Dyer, Charles Wright