Last updated at 11:58, Saturday, 23 July 2011

Workington Comets are facing a potential injury crisis ahead of tonight’s Premier League Knockout Cup second leg against Sheffield.

Gary Irving

The Comets could have as many as four riders missing from their team when they line up against the Tigers after a bruising encounter in the first leg on Thursday.

The Comets already knew that they would be without Peter Kildemand and team manager Tony Jackson confirmed that James Wright is definitely out after a heavy crash in the last heat on Thursday.

Workington have booked Ty Proctor, who rides in the Elite League for Wolves, as a guest and if Wright is still not fit for Sunday Proctor will guest again.

Other potential absentees could be Gary Irving who fell and Rusty Harrison who was involved in the pile up involving Wright.

If Irving is not fit Comets will have to book a National league guest and another guest for Harrison and Jackson said he already had riders in mind if this was the case.

He said: “Thursday night was a bit of a disaster and was like an episode of Casualty.

“Gary woke up this morning and told me he didn’t think he would be fit but he was due to ride at Scunthorpe last night and hopefully he will be OK.”

Jackson is expecting an exciting match tonight after the Comets held the Tigers to only a 10 point victory on Thursday.

Jackson said it could have been closer but he expects the Comets to have too much for Sheffield even with the injuries.

He said: “I thought it would be very close over the two matches and the boys did fantastic to keep the gap to 10 points.

“I think tonight will be a very exciting match and hopefully the fans will come down to cheer the lads on because the tie is very finely balanced.“

A minute's silence will be held before tonight's meeting in memory of Workington mayor and Comets fan Mel Pettit who died suddenly on Thursday morning.

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 23 July 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk