ACES AIM TO PUT PRESSURE ON LEAGUE LEADERS

BELLE Vue have the opportunity to put massive pressure on the league leaders when they welcome Birmingham to the National Speedway Stadium on August 5.

The ATPI Aces travelled to Perry Barr last Monday where things came down to a last-heat decider in which the Mancunians just held on for the win thanks to a superb ride from captain Brady Kurtz.

But it does mean that the aggregate scores stand at just 46-44 in favour of the ATPI Aces and a big performance will be needed to negate the challenge of the Midlanders come Monday.

But Aces fans can breathe a sign of relief to learn that SoN world champion Dan Bewley is back after his mandatory rest period for a concussion.

And with the new averages taking effect, the triple British Champion takes his place at No.1 to lead the ATPI Aces with skipper Kurtz moving to No.5.

But it’s not a line-up change to cause detriment, says team boss Mark Lemon, and could prove to be a crucial switch towards the push to the play offs.

He continued: “It’s fantastic to have Dan back and fit again, especially after such a heavy crash.”

“We’re going to need all the team to be on guard for this one as Birmingham are a far stronger team with Freddie Lindgren this time around, compared to when they last visited the NSS. 

“I was proud of the boys for their efforts in the Midlands last Monday but now that we are back at full strength, I am expecting another big performance at home.

“Time is running out for us, with only three home matches ahead of the play offs and we must keep up the pressure to consolidate our place by taking every league point available to us”. 

Belle Vue ‘ATPI’ Aces: Dan Bewley 8.96, Norick Blodorn 5.23, Jaimon Lidsey 7.63, Ben Cook 6.58, Brady Kurtz (C) 8.65, Antti Vuolas 4.55, Jake Mulford RS; TM: Mark Lemon

Birmingham ‘Curtis Sport’ Brummies: Fredrik Lindgren 8.00, Wiktor Lampert 4.94, Piotr Pawlicki 5.26, Zach Cook 5.05, Tom Brennan 6.07, Michael Palm Toft 4.31, Leon Flint RS; TM: Sam Ermolenko

Aggregate Score: Belle Vue 46-44 Birmingham

Photo credit: Ian Charles