BEES promoter Mick Horton has revealed his decision to face Swindon at home in the first leg of their Elite League play-off was to get points on the board early.
Gary Havelock’s side finished third in the table and have been handed a semi-final clash with fourth-placed Robins with the first leg taking place at Brandon on Monday (September 29).
Leaders Poole elected to face second-placed King’s Lynn, with those two sides having been separated only by race points difference at the top of the table.
Because Bees finished above Swindon they had the choice of electing to race at home first with second leg taking place at Blunsdon on Monday October 6.
“We’ve chosen to go first at home as we want to get points on the board first and foremost if we can,” said Horton.
“I think it will be a close encounter over the two legs but we want to get an advantage at home, and if we can go to Swindon with that then anything is possible there.”
Bees wrapped up their regular away league programme in spectacular style as they raced to a 53-40 victory over Belle Vue at Kirkmanshulme Lane on Monday.
Despite travelling to Manchester severley depleted Havelock’s side put in a resilient all-round team display to claim a resounding win and give their confidence a timely boost ahead of the play-offs.
Hans Andersen stormed to a faultless maximum whilst Jason Garrity suffered his only defeat when he hit the deck.
Danish ace Kenneth Hansen was also in scintillating form as he put in a typically determined display and guest Aaron Summers stepped in with a fine showing in the No.2 spot.
With all four riders bagging double figure points hauls, a rare off night for Chris Harris went unpunished as the Bees came away with an excellent victory.
Hansen added: “I’ve been through a tough time, we all know that, and I’m just happy to keep battling hard – we all have ups and downs and I hope I’ve passed my down-time right in time for the play-offs!
“I’ve been ill for the last couple of days but I’ve wanted to turn my form in England around so badly, and I can’t thank the management enough for sticking with me.”
Bees complete their regular campaign at home to Wolverhampton tomorrow (Friday) in a meeting which also features the second leg of the National League KO Cup semi-final between the Storm and Cradley.
