Speedway: Owlerton favourite Stead poised for Tigers comeback

Hometown hero Simon Stead will make his first Sheffield appearance in almost a year as they host Peterborough at Owlerton tonight (7.30).
Simon SteadSimon Stead
Simon Stead

Stead saw his 2015 season cruelly cut short by a horror crash in April - and after working his way back to full fitness, he suffered concussion on his comeback in the Ben Fund Bonanza earlier this month.

However, he will now lead Sheffield for the first time this season as the terrific Tigers look to make it two wins out of two to kick-off their League Cup campaign.

After racing to a stunning win at Scunthorpe last Sunday, they will head into their clash with the Panthers full of confidence.

Co-promoter Damien Bates believes the return of Stead will provide them with a timely boost - and he is confident they can mark his comeback with another victory to continue their encouraging start to the season.

“It’s a big boost for everyone to have Steady back riding because of everything he brings to the team,” Bates said.

“It will be tough for him, especially against Peterborough who have some good riders, so we don’t want to expect too much from him straight away.

“It’s great to have him back though, and hopefully he can have a solid first meeting back and help us get another win.

“We had a great result at Scunthorpe on Sunday, everyone played their part and it was a very good team performance.

“We don’t fear anyone at home so we are confident we can get another win this week. Peterborough are a side I rate highly though, I expect them to be challenging for trophies like ourselves so we are going to need to be at our best.”

Although Stead returns to lead the Tigers, the Tigers will be without all-action No.5 Jason Garrity. With the British youngster riding for Elite League side Coventry, they welcome Ricky Wells back into their side for one night only as a guest. Otherwise, the hosts will be a full strength.

*TIGERS line-up: Stead, Howarth, Bates, Wells, Hall, Greaves.