Monarchs face Witches in two-legged play-offs semi-final

Edinburgh Monarchs have been drawn against Ipswich Witches in the speedway play-off semi-finals with the first leg at Foxhall Heath on Thursday and the deciding leg at Armadale 24 hours later.

Monarchs captain Sam Masters leads Witches' paire Kyle Newman and Danny King, with Mark Riss far right at Armadale. Picture: Ron MacNeil

Glasgow Tigers face league leaders Sheffield Tigers in the other semi-final.

Monarchs director Mike Hunter said: “It is quite a favourable draw for us. We have already won at Ipswich but have been slaughtered at both Sheffield and Glasgow.

“Over two legs I think we have a reasonable chance of going through but we are not taking anything for granted.”

Club chairman Alex Harkess said: “When you get to this stage of the competition there are no easy matches. But we are the only team who have defeated the Witches away from home this season and just squeezed through against them at Armadale ten days later.

“The Witches beat us easily in the play-offs last season so we will have to be at our very best if we want to qualify for the finals.”

Monarchs will be at full strength for both matches having recently welcomed back skipper Sam Masters from injury but the Ipswich team is uncertain as they are carrying injuries and will need to find guest replacements.