Poole Pirates boss Neil Middleditch good form to continue

Poole Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch wants his side to continue their upturn in form against the Coventry Bees this weekend.

The Pirates have finished top of the Elite League table in each of the last three seasons.

However, they have struggled for early season form and currently lie sixth.

"Coventry haven't had the best of seasons, but they've made some changes and they're going to be looking to beat us," Middleditch told BBC Radio Solent.

The Pirates have rung the changes this week with the re-introduction of number one Darcy Ward, who is back from a shoulder injury, and the signing of Australian duo Micky Dyer and Kozza Smith.

"It's nice to have the turbo twins (Ward and world champion Chris Holder) back together again, particularly as we're making in roads to getting into the playoffs," added Middleditch.

"It's a big boost but they can't win meetings on their own so as long as they get a bit of back up there's no reason that we can't keep pushing forward like we have in recent meetings."

Poole will be without Thomas H Jonasson, who has a broken collarbone, for the trip to the Brandon Stadium and have recruited Peterborough rider Patrick Hougaard to take his place.