Promoter stresses top two finish to speedway season well within grasp of Scunthorpe Scorpions

With their play-off place secured, Scunthorpe Scorpions now have their sights set on a top two finish.

Promoter Rob Godfrey has called on his team to take the Premier League by the scruff of the neck and win their last three home games.

That would give them a great chance of taking second place, with Newcastle favourites to go top.

"That would be amazing," said Godfrey.

"We have targets and goals and our goal was to get in the play-offs, now our goal is to finish in the top two.

"It is within our grasp.

"It does depend on other teams dropping points away, and we need three points out of every home meeting to go above Somerset, who have only got home meetings left.

"We're predicting Newcastle to go top, but we're hoping we will go second.

"We can afford to drop one point, but we can't afford to drop two.

"The way we have calculated it, we end up with two points more than Somerset.

"There's a hell of a lot to race for."

If they do achieve their aim, as one of the top two finishers, Scunthorpe will get to choose the two teams they wish to have in their play-off group.

Given the form they are in, particularly after an 'exceptional weekend' which saw them thump Edinburgh and beat Plymouth, Godfrey says he would be confident against any of their rivals.

"I wouldn't really be bothered who we get," he said.

"If I get the option I would like to pick the nearest track to me to maximise gate receipts and I would try to avoid another Friday night track if we can.

"That's the only way it will really help us.

"I'd ask the lads what they prefer, but we're all confident of going anywhere.

"Whether or not we do it is a different matter, it's whether or not it all clicks on the night.

"The Premier League is so tight at the top now. When we get to the play-offs everyone will have to be on top form.

"Michael Palm Toft had an exceptional day on Sunday. He needs to start having them because he will be our trump card at reserve. He could possibly win us meetings.

"It can come down to a bit of luck and injuries, but I think we can beat anyone.

"I can't think of many disastrous results this year. We've got 40 points at most tracks."

Tomorrow (Friday) sees a double-header at the Eddie Wright Raceway, with both the Scorpions and the Saints taking on Rye House in the Premier and National Leagues respectively.

Ticket prices have been cut to just £10 for adults (including concessions) while all accompanied children (up to the age of 16) go free as Godfrey hopes to attract a large crowd.

"We need the support," he said. "We're on for winning the league championship, we've got the best chance ever of doing it.

"No second division Scunthorpe team has been as high as this, ever.

"We're doing the town of Scunthorpe proud."