Workington Comets must come flying out of the blocks if they are to mount another memorable comeback and lift the Knockout Cup tonight, believes boss Tony Jackson.

Comets went down 54-36 at Scunthorpe on Sunday in the first meeting of the two-legged cup final but have proven to be comeback specialists recently so the 18-point margin is not something to be feared in the decider at Derwent Park tonight (7.30pm start).

The West Cumbrians won by 19 points when the two sides met at Derwent Park in the Championship Shield semi-final last month and Jackson is confident his team can repeat that performance to clinch the cup.

“If we can get off to a good start and get the crowd behind us, we can do it,” he said.

“Eighteen points to pull back is definitely more than we wanted but having done well against Edinburgh and Glasgow we’ve certainly proved we’re capable.

“Their matches at our place this year have been a similar score to what we need so if it’s that close it could go to the last race again.

“I would love us to win something and if we can win that first one it just takes the pressure off the play-off final at the weekend and the Championship Shield final on Monday and gives us confidence for those big matches.”

Workington have drafted in former rider Claus Vissing as a guest for Dan Bewley, while the Scorpions have turned to another ex-Comet in Thomas Jorgensen to guest for them at No1.

Rider replacement will be used for Comets skipper Ty Proctor, who is also set to miss the final due to injury.

“Claus is a hard rider which is what you want because he can be quite a force,” Jackson added.

“I think with a full-strength team we’d be sitting pretty but as it is we’re a bit nervous.

“It promises to be a very exciting night.

“With them bringing riders like Jorgensen, Jason Garrity and Steve Worrall, it’s got all the makings of an excellent match.”

BLOB Fans who attended the rained-off double header against Lakeside last Saturday can use their ticket as entry to the rearranged double header on Monday (7pm start).

Alternatively, they can use the ticket tonight and receive a voucher back for the difference to be used against entry to Sunday or Monday, or they can use the ticket tonight or on Sunday and receive a refund for the difference.

For fans who are unable to make any of the remaining home fixtures, a full refund is available by posting tickets in a stamped, addressed envelope to Workington Speedway, Elm Garden, Moor Park, Crosby, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 6RH.