The results of last weekend ensured that Workington Comets would be Monarchs' opponents in the second round of the cup. However, this Friday the Comets visit Armadale on League business.
According to the views of many commentatators, Workington assumed the mantle of Premier League Champions elect before they had turned a wheel in anger. Early season form in the Premier National Trophy qualifiers appeared to confirm that these predications were far from being off the mark. They reeled of a number of impressive wins home and away. They did lose out narrowly at Sheffield in a rain affected 12-heat fixture. They did suffer a shock home defeat at the hands of Hull, with Peter Carr top scoring for the visitors guesting in place of Garry Stead.
One of the away wins was at Armadale with Monarchs going down by 50 points to 43. Edinburgh were not really in contention for that match despite taking it to a last heat decider following an 8-1 'Golden Double' by Carr and Little. On that day, Edinburgh were without the injured Ross Brady and were struggling at reserve. While Kevin Little had a fair match, Peter Carr and Robert Eriksson were not quite as dominant as usual.
Things might be rather different this time. Monarchs have strengthened up with the effect that Blair Scott has dropped to reserve. Christian Henry has settled own and is scoring more points that at the time of the Comets' previous visit.
Workington have experienced a few injury problems. Reserve Darren Groves is out long-term and has been replaced by Geoff Powell. Barry Campbell is also out injured for some weeks with a neck injury after he had dropped to reserve. This means that Workington can only use a Conference League rider as a replacement. It is possible that Lee Smethills will struggle at number two, leaving a lot to do for the powerful Comets' top four and reserve Geoff Powell.
Despite this, Edinburgh will have their work cut out and will need to have most if not all of the team on top form to secure a win. The meeting will bring a head to head confrontation between the top four riders in the 'Speedway Star' Premier League Averages. Carl Stonehewer and Brent Werner occupy the top two places followed by the Monarchs duo of Robert Eriksson and Peter Carr. This does flatter the Workington pair as their averages are based on three home matches wheras Monarchs' are based on one home and two away matches.
If the Monarchs' top four can at least match the efforts of their Workington counterparts, that should leave it open for the Edinburgh reserves to win the meeting. In the previous encounter, Carl Stonehewer and Mick Powell, with backup from Peter Karlsson and Brent Werner, dominated the meeting. Barry Campbell, Geoff Powell and Lee Smethills all contributed.
This weekend could go some way towards making or breaking Monarchs' premier League season. The narrow defeat at Glasgow did Edinburgh no favours and another bad result could prove terminal. After facing the Comets on Friday, Edinburgh go to Berwick on Saturday. Like Workington, the Bandits are currently facing an injury crisis. If ever there was a time to face Berwick, this is it. The onus is on Monarchs to capitalize on the misfortunes of their opponents and pick up a result or two.