SHEFFIELD Tigers are back in action tonight for the first time in almost 10-days when Newcastle Diamonds visit Owlerton Stadium (7.45pm).

And they go into the meeting with club owner Neil Machin admitting they’ve fallen short of expectation so far this season.

“We need to get it right tonight against a decent Newcastle side,” said Machin. “We’ve fallen short this season, dropped points at home and our away form has been disappointing. I’d like to see an improvement, starting with tonight’s meeting although we must treat Newcastle with respect.”

Lee Smethills is still missing with the back injuries sustained at Mildenhall and the club will operate the rider replacement facility where his four programmed outings can be taken by his colleagues.

Newcastle include the very much inform Josef Franc, who favoured Newcastle this season despite interest from his former club Berwick.

Jason King is a solid middle order scorer and George Stancl is an ex-Sheffield rider having started his British career at Owlerton back in 1994.

TIGERS: Rick Ashworth, Lee Smethills R/R, Andre Compton, Joel Parsons, Ben Wilson, Kyle Hughes, Paul Cooper.
NEWCASTLE: Josef Franc, Richard Juul, George Stancl, Jason King, Christian Henry, Jerran Hart, Sean Stoddart.