PETERBOROUGH hand a debut to new signing Ty Proctor in Monday’s big derby clash with Ipswich at the East of England Arena (7.30pm).
Proctor has joined the Crendon Panthers following his release from King’s Lynn and comes in as an injury replacement for Bradley Wilson-Dean, who is out with a broken collarbone.
But Panthers are still thwarted in their attempts to track a full-strength side as Josh Bates finds himself back on the sidelines after a smash at Leicester on Saturday.
Bates, who was due to drop to reserve for the Panthers in July, tangled with Broc Nicol who was making a guest appearance for Redcar, and both riders suffered concussion.
That carries a mandatory nine-day absence regardless of other injuries, so Bates cannot ride on Monday. Panthers boss Carl Johnson therefore must bring in a guest at reserve, and details will follow when the replacement is confirmed.
Ipswich are second in the Premiership table and have enjoyed an excellent season so far – the highlight from their point of view being a 51-39 win at Alwalton in mid-May.
Former Panthers rider Danny King broke the track record in that meeting and then lowered it again when he appeared for his Championship club Sheffield in the Fours last weekend.
The Witches have made one team change since the sides last met, with Edward Kennett coming in to replace David Bellego – and ironically the GB international drops to reserve under the new July averages!
Ipswich’s success has been in their solidarity, with a 100 per cent home record and their heaviest away defeat in the league being by just ten points.
Johnson said: “Ipswich are a strong side, which they showed last time they were here, and I feel it’s exactly the right kind of meeting for us to be bringing Ty into.
“I don’t know him that well personally but on-track he’s aggressive and very much suits our style as a team.
“Ty wants to win, which is an attitude I like – and ironically we were hoping that bringing him in would help Josh as well as they’re good mates, but unfortunately with Josh being hurt that won’t happen on Monday.”
PETERBOROUGH: Hans Andersen, Ty Proctor, Scott Nicholls, Charles Wright, Rohan Tungate, Aaron Summers, TBC. IPSWICH: Chris Harris, Richard Lawson, Danny King, Cameron Heeps, Krystian Pieszczek, Edward Kennett, Jake Allen.