Preview: Ipswich v Poole

28/08/19

Danny Ford believes returning Pirates asset Thomas H Jonasson can provide the “spark” to lift his “tired” septet.

Jonasson will make his first Pirates appearance in six years at Ipswich tomorrow night after answering Ford’s call to replace injured Richie Worrall.

The Swede starts at reserve alongside Ricky Wells, with Nico Covatti moving to number two, and Ford believes the injection of a new face can be the catalyst his side needs to secure a play-off spot.

Ford said: “The boys have done a fantastic job covering for Richie since June but I think the extra pressure of taking his rides started to take its toll in the away defeats against Swindon and Wolves. We looked in a bit tired in both meetings.

“So, Thomas coming in at this point is perfect timing and I think his presence will help that spark return to the team going into tomorrow night’s meeting.”

The Witches, too, have bolstered their resources in a bid to hold on to the play-off place they are currently in alongside the Pirates, Swindon and Belle Vue – with just one point separating the top four.

The Suffolk side have drafted in Niels-Kristian Iversen and James Sarjeant in place of Krystian Pieszczekand Edward Kennett, with both making their bows against the Pirates tomorrow night.

Ford added: “There’s no doubting the quality of the two guys Ipswich have brought in, especially Niels who has ridden at the top level for so long.

“So, we’ll need to hit the ground running at their place, as we did when we won their in July, and I’m confident we can do just that.”

The Witches will operate rider replacement for Cameron Heeps and Foxhall, while the Pirates are set to make a late call on Josh Grajczonek’s fitness after the Pirates captain suffered a hip injury in a spill against Wolves on Monday.

Witches: Niels-Kristian Iversen, Rider Replacement for Cameron Heeps, Chris Harris, Richard Lawson, Danny King, James Sarjeant, Jake Allen.

Pirates (TBC): Jack Holder, Nico Covatti, Nicolai Klindt, Josh Grajczonek, Brady Kurtz, Thomas H Jonasson, Ricky Wells.