The Ipswich ‘Tru7 Group’ Witches end a busy spell at Foxhall tomorrow night when they take on the Belle Vue Aces in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership (7.30pm).

The hectic schedule has coincided with an injury-crisis. Emil Sayfutdinov has joined long-term absentee Jason Doyle on the sidelines, while Adam Ellis' recent bang to the head means he faces a mandatory period out. Scott Nicholls guests for Doyle, whilst Zach Cook deputises for Ellis. Rider replacement will be in operation for Sayfutdinov.

Recent home defeats to Leicester and Sheffield mean that top spot now looks out of reach for a side that has spent the majority of the season at the top of the table. Still, a play-off spot is already confirmed for the Suffolk side.

Ritchie Hawkins’ men will have to produce something very special to take the aggregate bonus point having been beaten 26-58 in Manchester earlier in the season. Belle Vue currently sit fourth in the table.

“At the moment we are going through a tough period having lost the spearhead of the team," admitted Hawkins. "We have got a choice. As a team we can fold in, as a club we can give up, or we can all band together and support each other.

"I would certainly like to do the latter and I hope everyone will support the team who have been superb for near-on two seasons now. They have done the town and club proud, and it is a side that I am proud to be a part of.

"When times are tough is when we need the support most and I would really appreciate everyone backing us and supporting the boys on Thursday night in this tough time.”

IPSWICH: 1. Scott Nicholls (G) 9.36 2. Dan Thompson 5.02 (RS) 3. Danny King 6.98 © 4. Zach Cook (G) 5.63 5. R/R for Emil Sayfutdinov 9.04 6. Keynan Rew 4.77 7. Jordan Jenkins 3.66. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

BELLE VUE: 1. Dan Bewley 8.96 2. Norick Blödorn 5.23 3. Jaimon Lidsey 7.63 4. Ben Cook 6.58 5. Brady Kurtz 8.65 © 6. Antti Vuolas 4.55 7. Jake Mulford (RS). Team Manager: Mark Lemon

Referee: C. Turnbull