OXFORD Cheetahs face arguably their toughest challenge of the season when they make the trip to defending Championship holders Poole Pirates tonight.

The Pirates are unbeaten on home shale in all competitive fixtures this season but are seven points behind the table-topping Cheetahs, however with two meetings in hand.

Neil Middleditch’s side has lifted the Championship trophy on both occasions since dropping to speedway’s second tier in 2019.

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Despite the mission facing them, Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck believes his side can cause an upset at Wimborne Road.

He said: “This fixture has been underlined in our calendar for some time now.

“Poole is a club stacked with history, with an outstanding fanbase, and rivalries aside we always look forward to our meetings against the Pirates.

“They’re the most successful club of this millennia, but that only makes us more determined to get the win and cause an upset.

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“We dominated the home leg and have a defendable lead with regards to the aggregate bonus point. But we are looking beyond that. We know we have the firepower and travel to Dorset in search of three points.

“As a team, we’ve come on leaps and bounds since our last journey to Wimborne Road so more of our positivity, determination and character will be required when tapes go up.”

In June, the Cheetahs claimed a memorable 52-38 victory in the reverse fixture at Oxford Stadium.

Sam Masters (11), Lewis Kerr (14), Scott Nicholls (13+1) and Henry Atkins (9+1) all returned with paid double-figure points hauls.

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