The Plymouth Gladiators return to the Coliseum Tomorrow with a point to prove as they welcome local rivals the Poole Pirates in one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the Championship season sponsored by Balmer Plasterers.
After a challenging northern tour saw defeats at Edinburgh, Berwick and Redcar, the Gladiators will be determined to remind supporters exactly what they are capable of on home shale. Standing in their way are a Poole side sitting third in the league and boasting one of the strongest line-ups in the Championship.
There is, however, a new look to the Plymouth riding order.
For the first time this season, Scott Nicholls moves into the prestigious number one position after an outstanding run of form that has seen his average climb to 8.25. The veteran has been in sensational touch throughout the campaign, producing race-winning performances week after week and leading by example both on and off the track.
Promoter Mark Phillips believes the move is richly deserved.
"Scott has shown a great deal of improvement this year and is loving life at the moment. It shows in his average as we welcome him to the number one spot."
Nicholls will spearhead a Gladiators side that also features Club Captain Danny King, the ever-competitive Ben Barker, improving youngster Joe Thompson, Czech racer Daniel Klima, Slovenian Anze Grmek, and reserve Ben Whalley.
The visitors arrive with plenty of firepower of their own. Championship leader Richard Lawson heads the Pirates' challenge with a formidable 9.45 average, supported by Lewis Kerr, Cooper Rushen and Will Cairns. Poole will also track two experienced guests, with Jason Edwards (for Zach Cook riding in Poland) and Eddie Kennett (for the injured Frazer Bowes) drafted in to strengthen an already impressive line-up.
With Poole currently third in the Championship on 15 points and Plymouth sixth on 10, the meeting represents another important opportunity for the Gladiators to close the gap on the play-off places.
But league positions rarely tell the whole story when these two clubs meet.
A Plymouth versus Poole fixture always carries extra edge. The relatively short trip across the South West ensures a healthy travelling support, while Gladiators fans will once again be out in force to create one of the best atmospheres of the season. Local pride is always on the line whenever the Pirates visit the Coliseum.
Phillips is confident his side can produce the response supporters are looking for.
"Plymouth hope to put the disappointment of last week's efforts in the north behind them and put on a great performance tomorrow and show Poole what our team is actually capable of. They are bringing in an excellent guest for their missing rider, but hopefully the Gladiators can dig deep and give them a battle."
With Scott Nicholls leading the team from the front, a passionate home crowd behind them, and local bragging rights at stake, the Gladiators have every incentive to produce one of their biggest performances of the season.
The northern tour is over.
Now it's time to make the Coliseum a fortress once again.