PANTHERS take a break from EL action on Friday as they visit Brandon for the opening match in the Midland Championship.Peterborough, Coventry and Wolverhampton have agreed to meet each other home and away in a competition that has existed between the 2 Midland based clubs in previous seasons but this will be the first time Peterborough have been involved.

PANTHERS take a break from EL action on Friday as they visit Brandon for the opening match in the Midland Championship.

Peterborough, Coventry and Wolverhampton have agreed to meet each other home and away in a competition that has existed between the 2 Midland based clubs in previous seasons but this will be the first time Peterborough have been involved.

The Bees have again recently changed their team order with doubling up pair Jordan Frampton and Josh Auty being re introduced at the expense of Filip Sitera, however both are in action for their respective PL teams on Friday so the Bees plan to use their teams no Klaus Jacobsen or a PL 6 point guest.

This will be the second home meeting of the week at Coventry as the hosted Eastbourne on Monday and things didn't go entirely to plan as Eastbourne duly grabbed a draw having led for most of the match.

September Green Sheet Averages come into play for this fixture with free scoring reserve Ben Barker being promoted up into the team.

Prior commitments booked before the Midland League was joined mean Panthers will be missing Kenneth Bjerre and Ales Dryml in addition to the injured and currently sidelined Kenneth Hansen, with two guests required Panthers have opted for the Australian duo that have ridden for the Panthers already this season and Troy Batchelor and Darcy Ward guest in place of Kenneth Bjerre and Ales Dryml respectively, with rider replacement covering for Kenneth Hansen.

Hansen being at no 4 in the teams GSA means his rides can be taken by Korneliussen, Vissing and the reserves Ward and Bager.

Team Manager Trevor Swales said: “This has all the makings of a good competition and has come at the right time for us, these meetings will benefit both the supporters and the riders in the event that we miss out on the play off's. Wolverhampton and Coventry are both good teams and both are enjoying successful seasons”.

Promoter Mick Bratley said: “With Brandon only an hour's travel time, I am sure many of our supporters will be making the trip over for the first match in this the inaugural Midland League Championship. Although some of our riders are unable to take part owing to other commitments, we have familiar guests in Darcy and Troy”.

Owner Rick Frost said “I`m hoping that these extra meetings are well supported. If they are this MLC could become an annual event. My thanks go to Troy and Darcy for guesting for us at such short notice”.

Coventry Bees : Oliver ALLEN (6.33), Ben BARKER (6.46), Chris HARRIS (8.45) Captain, Edward KENNETT (8.03), Rory SCHLEIN (7.62), Ricky WELLS (3.00) plus Klaus JACOBSEN (3.00) or PL Guest.

Team Managers Peter OAKES & Colin PRATT

Peterborough Panthers: Henning BAGER (4.36), Troy BATCHELOR (7.78), Kenneth HANSEN (5.83) R/R, Niels Kristian IVERSEN (7.86) Captain, Mads KORNELIUSSEN (6.53), Claus VISSING (4.88), Darcy WARD (4.62).

Team Managers Trevor & Wayne SWALES