The last time Monarchs went through a league programme unbeaten at home was back in 1963 at Old Meadowbank. Monarchs traditionally do not lose many at home but have always slipped up at least once a season. They came closest in 1980 at Powderhall and 1997 at Armadale but on both occasion lost their last home match to Newcastle. Last year those pesky Geordies did it again with a win at Armadale to finish off Monarchs' lingering championship hopes.
This year the last home match is not against one of the noted Armadale specialists. Newcastle have already been seen off narrowly as have Workington. The Cumbrian outfit won twice at Armadale this season in the Premier National Trophy and in the Cup but Monarchs had the edge in the League match. Hull and Swindon both provided stern challenges at Armadale. Monarchs had to come from behind in last heat deciders to win both matches. The final visitors in the Premier League are the noted Armadale underperformers Exeter.
Exeter's team of big track specialist have never gone well at Armadale. The only real threat is Michael Coles although Graeme Gordon has been improving in recent matches. In the history of all matches between Edinburgh and Exeter, the Falcons have lost 33 away matches and drawn one, at Coatbridge in 1968.
Should Exeter spring a major surprise and win at Armadale, this is likely to ensure they win the Premier League Championship. A more realistic target for Exeter is to take the 32 points they need to win the bonus point. This will keep their challenge alive.
Exeter lost by 59 points to 31 in the Premier League last season. A repeat of this will ensure a run-off for the bonus point. The Falcons were aided by guest Neil Collins who top scored with 12 points. Exeter did rather better in the Young Shield losing by 53 points to 36 on a wet track in October inspired by Coles.
TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE on Friday 22nd September (start time 7.30 pm, gates open 6.30 pm) are:
EDINBURGH FORTH AM MONARCHS: Robert Eriksson, Blair Scott, Peter Carr (capt.), Ross Brady, Kevin Little, Christian Henry, Will Beveridge.
EXETER FALCONS: Mark Simmonds, Chris Harris, Seemond Stephens, rider replacement for Roger Lobb, Michael Coles, Graeme Gordon, Bobby Eldridge.
The Exeter team all have averages of over 7 points, that is higher than any home rider bar Carr and Eriksson. However their previous Armadale form, Coles aside, is little short of disastrous.
Coles has a best score of 14 points and an average of 7.89. Mark Simmons has a best score of 5 paid 6 and an average of 4.36. Graeme Gordon has a top scote of 8 points and an average of 3.37. Chris Harris has a best of 3 paid 5 and an average of 3.35. Bobby Eldridge has a best of 2 paid 4 and an average of 1.85. Seemond Stephens failed to score in his only Armadale meeting. Many of the Exeter team have improved dramatically over this season but they certainly need to if the Falcons are to avoid a heavy defeat.
The fact that rider replacement is operating for the banned Roger Lobb and Graeme Gordon is down at reserve is likely to help Exeter.