Nigel Pearson Track: Cracking play-off race

Speedway’s Premiership was, sadly, reduced to just seven clubs at the end of June when Rye House were unable to fulfil their fixtures.

But the smallest league the modern era has ever known has thrown up a really competitive race for the top four.

With the deadline of September 10 fast approaching just six points separated six of the seven clubs as of the Swindon meeting on Thursday August 16.

Who would have thought Belle Vue, who took a good old fashioned hiding by bottom club Leicester on Monday, would have followed that up with wins at Somerset and Swindon in successive nights?

And who would have thought Poole would have been bottom at the start of July – but five weeks later went top?

It’s been an amazing ride but once again I do feel frustrated at how a load of fixtures are now rushed together in a short space of time.

King’s Lynn had to arrange a double header with Wolverhampton for Wednesday and Somerset arranged two home meetings in three days.

This, remember, is after one of the hottest summers through May, June and July we’ve had – probably since 1976.

There’s little continuity with the Premiership fixture list, particularly in June although I admit it’s vital to make the most of Bank Holidays and school holidays.

Who will win the Premiership, then? That’s like a six million dollar question right now and it will take a brave person to call it with any confidence.

Poole have been on an amazing run picking up points in every meeting, home or away, and remember the key to play-off glory is doing it over two legs.

For that reason Neil Middleditch’s men have to be regarded as dangerous.

Then, you’ve got Belle Vue who I said only a couple of weeks ago wouldn’t get beaten over two legs – until they were thumped at Leicester.

What I like about Somerset is the presence of a genuine superstar in the World Champion, Jason Doyle. He’s the man for the big occasion and if it gets tense in Rebels meetings, he’s the man in Heats 13 and 15.

King’s Lynn’s partnership of Iversen and Robert Lambert is a potent one when it matters, too, and Swindon have strength in-depth. Wolverhampton are, in my view, outsiders for the time being.

I’ll put my neck on the line and say Poole for now... but that could all change in the next week or two!

Whatever happens it’s going to be a fascinating few weeks ahead as every meeting – even those featuring Leicester – becomes more and more vital.

Wolverhampton's play-off surge continues against reigning champions Swindon at Monmore on Monday.

And with the double header at Lynn on Wednesday, I reckon Pete Adams’ men have to be looking for six-points from the three meetings.

Try not to bite all your fingernails off, Wolves fans!