IPSWICH Witches team manager Pete Simmons has laid his team’s position firmly on the line ahead of tonight’s Elite League clash with Eastbourne at Foxhall Stadium.

IPSWICH Witches team manager Pete Simmons has laid his thoughts firmly on the line ahead of tonight’s Elite League clash with Eastbourne at Foxhall Stadium.

The Witches were woeful in their home defeat against Lakeside last Thursday, despite decent performances where they have picked up points at Lakeside and Coventry in recent away meetings.

Simmons knows it is not good enough, the play-offs are getting further away, and he doesn’t want his side to leave much of the scoring to No.1 Scott Nicholls.

“ We are picking up points away from home at places like Coventry and Lakeside which nobody was expecting but we have got to start putting points on the board at home or we will lose touch with the leading pack,” Simmons said.

“A win by at least seven points is a must.

“All seven riders have to pull their weight. We cannot expect Scottie Nicholls to lay it on the line week in, week out to make up for other riders’ failings.”

With the weather set fair, the Witches have a chance to show their fans exactly what they are capable of on the newly-shaped track which is producing thrilling racing.

Linus Sundstrom, the flying teenage Swede, is back in Witches colours, much to the relief of the Witches management.

He has been in brilliant form for his Premier League club Rye House and if he can reproduce that form tonight, the Witches stand a good chance of success.

Eastbourne however produced a gritty performance on their last visit to Foxhall last month, losing by six points and grabbing a point into the bargain.

Eagles reserve Ricky Kling is in a rich vein of form, while the likes of Witches riders Claus Vissing and Dawid Stachyra will want to put on a show after a disappointing few meetings.

Teams

Ipswich: 1 S Nicholls, 2 O Allen, 3 D King, 4 C Vissing, 5 R Miskowiak, 6 D Stachyra, 7 L Sundstrom.

Eastbourne: 1 M Zagar, 2 S Gustafsson, 3 L Dryml, 4 C Woodward, 5 J Kylmakorpi, 6 R Kling, 7 D Lampart.

Tonight’s meeting is sponsored by KAB Planthire and Repairs.

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Elite League table

P pts

Poole 14 36

Lakeside 12 23

Wolves 10 19

Belle Vue 12 17

Eastbourne 10 12

Swindon 8 11

Ipswich 10 9

Coventry 11 8