NEIL Middleditch fears that Nicki Pedersen may have an axe to grind for tonight's return leg of the challenge match fixture with Eastbourne Eagles (Wimborne Road, 7.30pm).

With Pedersen and Pirates star Craig Boyce coming to blows in Saturday's first leg after a heat nine spill, the Poole Castle Cover Pirates team boss is wary of a backlash from the Eagles captain.

Team boss Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "I've already said to Craig let's put it behind us' and I'm sure he will, but I'm not sure all the other parties will do the same.

"I don't want it seen as a grudge match when Eastbourne come down here."

Poole's preparations for the new campaign have been hampered by the delay on Russian rider Sergey Darkin's attempts to secure a visa, but co-promoter Matt Ford confirmed yesterday that he WILL be in the ranks for tonight's clash after securing his visa on Monday.

Ford said: "Sergey will be part of the Poole team for the first time tonight.

"He has been really frustrated at having missed our press day and the Eastbourne match and has to hit the ground running (or riding as the case may be) tonight."

Delighted Middleditch added: "We went down by just three points without Sergey at Eastbourne, who is a very talented and exciting rider, so I'm very much looking forward to him finally arriving.

"I don't think it really upsets the balance of the team, but it's always nice when you walk into the pits and you see the seven boys that you know and trust rather than a couple of strangers in the camp.

"Anyone who steps into the team will always give their best - that is not in question - but there is nothing like having your own riders."

Meanwhile, Jason Crump has admitted he is counting down the hours before his first Wimborne Road meeting in Pirates colours for 10 years.

The world champion said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be back.

"The new-look team is coming together and after Saturday night we are getting a bond. There is a bit of work to do on that front, but there are lots of positives already.

"I accept that is part of my role along with captain Bjarne Pedersen to get the rest of the boys ticking.

"I feel extremely comfortable back with the club. The management have been incredibly helpful in allowing me to settle and now I want to repay their faith in me in the months ahead.

"Suddenly the weather has turned to winter again, but hopefully we can warm everyone up tonight with a decent show."

Pirates: Crump, Kennett, B Pedersen, Darkin, Boyce, Doyle, Batchelor.

Eastbourne: Norris, Barker, N Pedersen, Andersson, Watt, Woodward, Bridger.