Hammers can nail place in play-offs with cosy win over struggling Panthers

Despite Jonas Davidsson missing the meeting due to a broken thumb, Lakeside Hammers can ensure their place in the end-of-season play-offs by beating Peterborough Panthers tonight, and are worth backing to win by over four points.

Neither side arrive in the best of form despite their lofty positions in the table.

The Hammers were disappointing when only drawing at home to a below-strength Swindon on Friday while Peterborough, who had not lost at home all season before the end of August, lost both matches at The East Of England Showground last week.

The Panthers have now lost five of their last six, and will not relish a visit to Lakeside, where they were thrashed 58-37 back in May.

Admittedly that was a weak Panthers side as Kenneth Bjerre and Niels-Kristian Iversen were both missing but neither of them have been at their best in recent fixtures.

Captain Troy Bachelor had a miserable night on that occasion and had another poor night in Poland last night, scoring two points from threerides.

The Hammers usually make home advantage tell and despite having to use rider replacement for the aforementioned Davidsson, the likes of Kauko Nieminen and Adam Shields should rack up the points this evening to back up Lee Richardson while veteran Stuart Robson should score plenty of points at reserve.

Recommendation

Lakeside Hammers -4, 1pt 8-11 Ladbrokes