STUART Douglas has upped the ante ahead of his team's Elite League clash with Belle Vue in Manchester."This fixture has taken on increased significance," said Douglas.

STUART Douglas has upped the ante ahead of his team's Elite League clash with Belle Vue in Manchester.

"This fixture has taken on increased significance," said Douglas.

"There are points up for grabs everywhere under the new scoring system this season, and we have let far too many of them slip through our fingers. Those teams that have had the opportunity to strengthen up, have done so, and Belle Vue will have the same opportunity after this meeting.

“The teams that have done pretty well and have already hit the 42 point limit, including ourselves, don't get that same facility, and so are forced to fight on, as we are.

“Rightly or wrongly, those are the rules by which we abide. This may well be our last chance to pull off a victory at Belle Vue against the Aces this season, so for that reason we absolutely must target the win.”

Douglas also feels that the Aces inspired use of 'wonderkid' guest, Darcy Ward, a King's Lynn rider, will make the home team stronger. He explained: "Young Ward is undoubtedly a prodigious talent, but I would like to ensure that the greater experience of our middle order riders, Jonas Davidsson, Joonas Kylmakorpi and Kauko Nieminen, do their utmost to nullify that talent".

The Hammers themselves are boosted by the return to form of their recently injured Finn, Joonas Kylmakorpi.

The Hammers owner concluded saying: "JK on his day can be very impressive around the Belle Vue track.

If he can hit his full potential, he could be a key figure in the meeting for us. Either way, the lads will be well aware of the crucial nature of this fixture if we are not to lose sight of the play off places."