SHEFFIELD team boss Simon Stead insists his riders ‘can’t afford to take their foot off the gas’ when they host Wolverhampton in their Sports Insure Premiership Play-Off Semi-Final decider at Owlerton on Thursday (September 28, 7.30).
Despite including three guests in their side, the Tru Plant Tigers produced a brilliant display in the West Midlands on Monday to come away with a 50-40 triumph, putting them in the driving seat to set up a Grand Final clash with Ipswich.
But despite many now making them favourites to progress, Stead says the Steel City side cannot rest on their laurels – and believes treating it as a normal home fixture is the best approach.
“It’s quite simple, we’ve drawn a line underneath Monday’s first leg,” he said.
“We start from zero again on Thursday as far as we’re concerned because the important thing when you get to this time of year is momentum.
“It’s about using what you did in the previous meeting to help boost your belief and confidence but then it’s about not taking anything for granted to ensure you’re always sharp and ready to keep that ball rolling.
“So we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas, we need to carry on doing what we’re doing and if Monday is anything to go by then we’re going to be a threat to anybody.
“Wolves will feel they’ve got nothing to lose I’m sure and on their night they can be a handful away from home.
“But if we apply ourselves how we have done in recent weeks and months around Owlerton, then I would like to think we can produce another solid effort and hopefully get into that Grand Final for a second year running.”
The Tigers will once again use Robert Lambert and Richard Lawson as guests against the Wolves – the pair racked up 22 points between them in Monday’s first leg.
At reserve, Connor Mountain, who reached the Grand Final with Sheffield last season, steps in for Claus Vissing who remains sidelined.
Sheffield Speedway would like to remind supporters that season tickets are NOT valid for this fixture.
Children aged 17 and under will be admitted for just £1 with adult admission set at £22 while it’s £20 for concessions.
SHEFFIELD: Robert Lambert, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Richard Lawson, Connor Mountain, Jason Edwards. WOLVERHAMPTON: Sam Masters, Steve Worrall, Luke Becker, Rory Schlein, Ryan Douglas, Zach Cook, Leon Flint.
