Oxford Cheetahs have made the first change to their new line-up by dropping No 7 Jon Underwood.

The move comes as no surprise to speedway fans as the Northampton- based rider has struggled at Elite League level, scoring only a couple of points in the opening seven meetings.

There is no news yet of a replacement, but promoter Steve Purchase has already indicated that Jan Staechmann, a regular last season, could be the man to come in as Cheetahs bid to move up the table. Underwood has been fixed up to ride in the Premier League at Arena Essex and co-promoter Vanessa Purchase said: "When we have to make changes, we don't like to just abandon our riders. The most important thing was finding Jon a team berth to continue riding and gain more confidence."

Oxford are not due in action again until May 10 when they take on Poole in the Speedway Star K0 Cup first leg at Wimborne Road.