Angry boss threatens rider axe

Wolverhampton owner Chris Van Straaten has admitted some members of his struggling team could be making their last home appearance of the season when they face Eastbourne at Monmore Green tonight.

Van Straaten, frustrated and angry by the club's disappointing form, is ready to make at least one change when the new team building restrictions apply on July 1.

The cup tie with the Sussex side – which appears an impossible task after aturday's 62-30 first leg defeat – represents one final opportunity for some riders to impress.

The long-serving club chief has revealed how Erik Gundersen, the legendary former Cradley Heath rider now working with Danish youngsters, has recommended a rider to the Parrys International Wolves.

He said: "We have a good relationship with Erik, who is a true legend in Midlands Speedway, and we have booked a rider he rates highly for our 80th Anniversary meeting next week."

Wolves' plan at Eastbourne on Saturday night had been to take as many points as possible off the Eagles in preparation for tonight's second leg.

The strategy quickly disappeared as the flying Eagles outclassed the Monmore men, who failed to gain a single heat advantage all night.

Wolves, bottom of the Elite League, were hampered by the absence of skipper Freddie Lindgren with rib injuries, and rider replacement was used to cover for him.

The entertainment factor was also low on the night, with many races won from the gate on a fairly slick track.

Niels Kristian Iversen headed the scorers for the Wolves, including finishing second from a tactical double ride in heat 7.

Kenneth Hansen barely looked like scoring a point all night from reserve, while Nicolai Klindt's lone bright spot came with a victory over Cameron Woodward in heat 14 and Ales Dryml inflicted Lewis Bridger's first defeat of the night in heat 8.

Eastbourne's powerhouse of Scott Nicholls, Lee Richardson and Edward Kennett all went through the card unbeaten by an opponent.

Nicholls' flying form continued at Steve Johnston's testimonial at Coventry yesterday, the British champion scoring a 15-point maximum on a very dusty Brandon circuit.

Wolves will be hoping that the mood lifts in time for tonight's second leg. Tapes go up at Monmore tonight at 7.30pm.

Wolves: Freddie Lindgren R/R, Ales Dryml, Niels Kristian Iversen, Nicolai Klindt, David Howe, Christian Hefenbrock, Kenneth Hansen.

Eastbourne: Scott Nicholls, Lewis Bridger, Lee Richardson, Cameron Woodward, Edward Kennett, Simon Gustafsson, James Brundle.