Last updated at 11:44, Friday, 05 October 2012

Workington Comets team manager Tony Jackson has made it clear that it’s crucial to get off to a winning start in the first play-off match against Scunthorpe.

Tony Jackson

Workington entertain the Scorpions tomorrow at Derwent Park (7pm) knowing that they cannot afford to get anything less than the three points on offer.

They then travel to Scunthorpe 24 hours later looking to pick up at least a point which would put them in a strong position in their mini league of three which also contains Edinburgh.

Jackson said: “It is absolutely crucial we get off to a winning start. One of the key things is to take all three points at home.

“In a mini league of three anyone who picks up points away from home will get an advantage.

“We beat Scunthorpe at their place in the Knock-Out Cup and were unlucky not to get a point in the league but we will be racing against a slightly different team over the weekend.”

Workington are not likely to find it easy at home against the Scorpions as the visitors contain many riders who will know the big Derwent Park track well.

Michael Palm Toft has guested for Comets on a number of occasions while Kevin Doolan, who will guest for the injured David Howe, was captain in 2009 and at reserve they have Gary Irving who rode for Workington earlier this year.

Comets have booked guest Ricky Wells to cover for the injured Adam Roynon in both matches while rider replacement will operate for Kenny Ingalls.

With Comets still chasing silverware on all three fronts in the Premier League, Knock-Out Cup and League Cup, the team are facing a fixture headache if they reach the finals of the competition.

Jackson said there could be the possibility of running double headers or racing on off nights to fit all the fixtures in but hoped fans would come and support the team in large numbers as he believes challenging for the title would be something special for all the supporters.

Meanwhile, there has been no movement on any takeover bid for the Comets after owner Keith Denham said he would walk away at the end of the season.

Current sponsors Moss Bay Metals said they would consider holding talks with Denham but were waiting until he officially walks away from the team which is likely to be after the British Speedways Promoters Association conference in November which he is attending.

First published at 11:29, Friday, 05 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk