Monarchs number 1, James Grieves before the first leg triumph confidently predicted a a win in the Premier League Cup. Grieves, who was speaking to the Edinburgh Pink, commented:
"Although it's a bit rough that we'll now be away for the deciding leg, we are all fired up for this final. I'll be disappointed if we don't see Arena off over the two matches. That doesn't mean to sound disrespectful to them because they are an extremely capable team with two very good reserves."
"But we have to have total belief in ourselves. And given the sort of luck that every team needs from time to time I think we'll prove the stronger side."
Monarchs could hardly have had a tougher route to the final having to overcome Armadale track specialists and bogey team Newcastle. Newcastle won home and away matches against Edinburgh in both the Premier National Trophy Group Qualifiers and in the Premier League. Edinburgh edged out Newcastle in the National Trophy Semi-final ut won the first Round cup tie with ease. Having overcome Newcastle they then had a daunting trip to Newport and recieved a hammering in the home leg. Newport seemed to have the tie sewn up in the return at Armadale as they restricted Monarchs' lead until they were overwhelmed with a late surge of 5-1 heat advantages. As if that wasn't enough, Edinburgh then faced a trip to Sheffield and somehow managed to pull off the first (and so far the only) aggregate win over the Tigers by 91 points to 89 after a ill tempered affair.
There was never any danger that Monarchs would treat Arena Essex lightly. They have been in good form of late despite just failing to make the Playoffs, They defeated two strong sides in Swindon and Exeter. They have lost only once at home this year. That was to Monarchs! They have two excellent heat leaders in Leigh Lanham and Colin White who were runners up in the Premier League pairs final. In addition they have a solid third heat leader in Troy Pratt and two excellent youngsters in Gary Corbett and Matt Read. All the above have gone well at Armadale in the past.
Grieves felt that Edinburgh's Armadale form would see them through the tie:
"Apart from Newcastle, no one has really run us close. And we defeated Arena by 20 points at our place. I'm not saying that we'll do that again, nor will we go into the clash complacent either."
Arena Essex number 1, Leigh Lanham said: "It's a big occasion for the club and our supporters. It would be terrific if we can do the business over the two legs. I think it's good for speedway that titles are spread around a bit and I think we fully deserve to be in the final. Having reached this spot we are determined to give it 100 per cent, and no matter the outcome it's important to do ourselves justice."
Since the above comments, Edinburgh ahve taken an 18 point lead in the first leg. This is actually the tightest result Monarchs have had in the home cup ties. Newcastle were beaten by 22 points, Newport by 24 points and Sheffield by 22 points.
However, Monarchs have the advantage in the final that Arena Essex is a track that most of the team like riding. It is similar in length and preparation to Armadale. If an opinion poll on 'favourite away track' was held amongst the Monarchs' team, Arena would almost certainly come near the top the list. This has been reflected in very good results at Arena Essex over the past three seasons. A big win came in 1997 by 49 points to 41. A narrow defeat was inflicted in 1998 by 46 to 44. A 48 to 45 win courtesy of a 'golden double' was acheived this year.
Past results will not matter a jot when in comes to the second leg. When Edinburgh won there, Arena Essex were not at full strength with Troy Pratt out with a broken collarbone. Monarchs were able to track seven fit riders then as compared to the five that they recently have been able to put out.
Monarchs are certainly very strong favourites now. An 18 point lead will enable them to use tactical substitutions to contain things should they fall behind early on. Even with the current problems with the number 2 and number 6 positions, the target of 37 points remains fairly modest. Edinburgh have to ride sensibly and avoid 5-1 losses and pick up points without taking too many risks.