North debut as Panthers look for KO Cup glory

PETERBOROUGH will hand a surprise home debut to teenage star Dakota North on Friday night (September 17, 7.30pm).

The young Australian will come into the Readypower Panthers’ line-up for their crunch Knock Out Cup quarter final tie against Swindon.

North, who is currently on loan at Premier League Newcastle where he recently celebrated his first maximum, takes over from the absent Mathieu Tresarrieu.

The Frenchman will be travelling to the Czech Republic for the final round of the World Long Track Championship.

Panthers’ number eight Craig Cook would have been the obvious replacement but he’s riding for his PL club Workington in a cup-tie at Edinburgh.

Team boss Trevor Swales said: “Under the rules we have to bring in someone who has a Premier League average of six or less – and Dak is our best bet on that sort of figure.

“We signed him during the winter for the future so this is an ideal opportunity to give him some experience. He rode for us in a league match at Eastbourne earlier this year and rode well, picking up a couple of points.”

North, 19 last month, added: “I’m really looking forward to it – I’ve been hoping to get a chance or two this season.

“It’s been going good at Newcastle recently and I’ve had a few practises at the Showground so I know what to expect.

“I signed for Peterborough because I want to be racing in the Elite League and this is the first step for me.”

Peterborough trail the Robins by eight points after the first leg and the winners then take on title favourites Poole in the semi final.