OXFORD Spires return to home shale with the visit of King’s Lynn Stars this evening.

Spires have suffered back-to-back defeats against Ipswich Witches, but will welcome Scott Nicholls as a guest in place of the injured Lewis Kerr, while Erik Riss is set to make his home debut.

Spires team manager Peter Schroeck said: “I don’t believe King’s Lynn’s early position in the table reflects the squad’s true ability. They have riders who have been there and done it at Premiership level, and some exciting young talents too.

“They’ve had some misfortune with more meetings called off this season than ones which have gone ahead, but Thursday’s forecast is mostly clear, and our track has thrown up some quality racing this season.

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“Erik is pumped for his home debut and having Scott guest in place of Lewis is a real trump card for us. His knowledge and experience of the track really is invaluable.

“I saw a lot of character in the squad at Ipswich and we want to see more of that as the season progresses.

“Thursday represents a good chance to get some points on the board and continue to build that confidence, but we won’t be taking King’s Lynn lightly at all.”