Bojangles

Looking bleak for Oxford's title chances, but a must-win for the Chargers to keep any slim hopes alive. William Cairns could well be the trump card, especially with Jody Scott, Ashton Vale and Jason Garrad all unavailable. Middlesbrough: Jake Mulford, Kai Ward, Danny Phillips, Jamie Halder, Ben Trigger, Ben Rathbone, William Hocaniuk. Oxford: Luke Killeen, Alex Spooner, Matt Marson, William Cairns, Max Perry, Jacob Clouting, Senna Summers.

Jody Scott out and Connor Coles in as a guest.

It's surely not going to be as easy as some people think. With Ashton Boughen in the main body of the team, you'd have to say Drew Kemp and Leon Flint are a stronger 3/4 pairing than Boughen and Jenkins. Lewis Kerr is always going to get a decent haul of points as well, and Joe Thompson is a pretty strong reserve - especially compared to Killeen and Scott. Oxford clearly stronger at 1 and 5, and Heeps is a bit of a trump card at 2... but it'll be a battle I think. Oxford 51-39.

And neither have the Cheetahs. In fact the only Cheetahs changes since the start of LAST season are the addition of Ashton Boughen and the dropping of Kerr for Killeen (which was due to averages). Strange comment.

No worries, easily done.

Paid maximums for Lewis Kerr and Drew Kemp coming up.... Oxford Cheetahs: 1. Sam Masters, 2. Cameron Heeps, 3. Ashton Boughen, 4. Jordan Jenkins, 5. Scott Nicholls, 6. Luke Killeen, 7. Jody Scott. Berwick Bandits: 1. Lewis Kerr, 2. Danyon Hume, 3. Drew Kemp, 4. Leon Flint, 5. Jye Etheridge, 6. Freddy Hodder, 7. Joe Thompson.

Great result for the Oxford management.

Yeah, that was my point. Awful decision. We've now got the same reserve pairing in the Premiership that we started with in the Championship.

...... or Lewis Kerr.

1. What you're saying is not irony (look it up). 2. Correct, you can spell it how you want, it's your right. However, that doesn't detract from the fact you still spelt it wrong - and that is ironic considering the word in question. 3. No amount of claiming you can spell something however you want saves you from the misuse of an apostrophe. 4. The correct spelling of 'thicko' is in the Collins English Dictionary, the Cambridge Dictionary, etc., etc. etc.

Agreed. Although it's not really a few meetings....it's seven meetings, and that's if we don't make the playoffs (which I honestly can't see happening now).

Oxford are streaming it.... https://livestream.oxfordspeedway.club/

The irony of spelling 'thicko' incorrectly. The double irony of the incorrect apostrophe.

Or maybe they just enjoy it?

Good to see Alex Spooner back, Oxford should definitely be stronger with him in the side. Can only see a comfortable Chargers win. Looking forward to seeing Stene Pijper as well.

Hellstrom-Bangs is a delight to watch!

While I agree it's not ideal that a 17-year-old has been dropped, I don't think Garrad's age should be a factor. He's not an old journeyman (a la Adam Roynon) taking a team spot, he's making improvements almost week-on-week after a late start (or return) to the sport. He has the potential to go higher and wants to compete at a higher level, so I'm pleased to see him get the chance.

But your logic is like saying 'if Richard Lawson had a good ride replace him with Vinnie Foord'. That makes significantly less sense!

Bit harsh on Finland. They got to the final two years ago (albeit with Timo Lahti).

Just for those who haven't seen him - Jason Garrad might be 36, but he's improved massively from last season to this. I've been very impressed with him for the Chargers, he's transformed into a real heat leader. It sucks for Ace, but I'm happy for Jason. I don't think he'll set the world alight, but I'm sure he'll improve further and he won't be far off the pace. He should pick up points.

Can't say I heard any boos for Scott. Any Oxford fan that did boo him needs their head examined!

I'd imagine it's a bit of a joint effort. Peter Schroeck definitely has some influence - only reason Erik Riss is in the team and he has good relations with Ashton Boughen - but Jamie Courtney would have the final say.

It's been an absolute pleasure to watch Emil tonight. Seven heat wins - what a rider.

1,200 @Steve Shovlar? He's more interested in attendances.

Absolutely. I arrived and was quite surprised how many people were already there. Be interesting to see if the Ipswich fixture gets the same sort of numbers. Nice to see the club offer a £5 discount for fans who bought tickets for the first fixture - a loophole the club exploited to appease fans who got the £4 refund without (hopefully) feeling the wrath of the powers that be.