Two in, one ruled out for Scorpions at Somerset

NEW SIGNINGS Ben Barker and Simon Lambert will make their debuts for HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions in the league encounter at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena, near Highbridge, tonight (Wednesday, 7.30pm).

Barker is a 28-day injury replacement for Jason Garrity, while Lambert comes in for the retired Josh Bailey. Lambert scored a hugely impressive 12+2 in a guest appearance in a Sheffield v Somerset meeting on Sunday.

Scunthorpe will be without Stefan Nielsen (pictured), who sustained torn knee ligaments in a crash at King’s Lynn on Monday. Scorpions will use rider replacement in his absence, with Barker, Lambert, Danny Ayres and Ryan Kinsley able to take his rides.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “We’re targeting a win. Our new signings make us a very solid side, and although it’s a blow, I think we can cope with rider replacement for Stefan.

“Somerset won at our place earlier in the season, and we’re aiming to return the compliment.”

Expected teams for tonight:

Somerset Rebels: 1. Rory Schlein, 2. Todd Kurtz, 3. Valentin Grobauer, 4. Thomas Jorgensen (guest), 5. Chris Harris, 6. Anders Rowe, 7. Henry Atkins.

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Danny Ayres, 3. Ben Barker, 4. Rider replacement for Stefan Nielsen, 5. Jake Allen, 6. Ryan Kinsley, 7. Simon Lambert.

* HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions host the Berwick Bandits at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday evening (7.30pm).