Stars manager Rob Lyon admits the pressure is already on his team despite racing just twice this season. The Lynn outfit have picked up four points from their two meetings against Sheffield but Workington and Birmingham lead the Premier Trophy Midland Division group courtesy of away victories against Stoke.

Stars manager Rob Lyon admits the pressure is already on his team despite racing just twice this season.

The Lynn outfit have picked up four points from their two meetings against Sheffield but Workington and Birmingham lead the Premier Trophy Midland Division group courtesy of away victories against Stoke.

The Potters are tomorrow night's visitors to the Norfolk Arena and are going through a wretched first month to the season having lost all four Trophy matches - twice each against Workington and Birmingham.

But Lyon believes it will not be plain sailing tonight .

“We need to win this meeting and secure another two points. We need to top our Premier Trophy group to guarantee ourselves a semi final place but with Birmingham and Workington winning away from home last week it has made things harder and put more pressure on us.

“Stoke have a very good team who haven't all clicked together yet. Garry Stead goes well round Lynn along with Rusty Harrison, they also have Robbie Kessler, who is hit and miss here, but their lower order is fantastic with Ben Barker and local lad Barrie Evans, who both go very well here too. I think a win should be on the cards but it won't be as easy as the match against Sheffield.”

Angry Stoke promoter Dave Tattum declared he is ready to make changes to his new-look side after their 55-35 home defeat by Workington. They previously lost 68-24 in the first leg of that meeting and have also lost home and away to Birmingham, 46-44 and 50-34.

Tattum held behind closed doors talks with his riders after their latest defeat and he said: “There are options available to me and once I have clarification on what route I will take, I will act.”

Stars co-promoter Jonathan Chapman is equally surprised as he tipped the Potters as dark horses this season.

Chapman said: “In my opinion they have a strong team that should finish mid table or higher. I know that their manager would have given them the third degree and King's Lynn will be the place that they will be coming to, to prove their worth and show their manager and fans they are worth keeping. I am sure we will see the real Stoke turn up.”

Stars reserve James Brundle has had an injury scare after crashing in the final of a local grasstrack meeting and is on crutches after damaging ligaments in his foot. Simon Lambert stands by to cover for him.

This will be the first of the club's 2007 theme nights - billed tonight as a wild west show - with a rodeo bull in attendance.

Stars: Tomas Topinka, Chris Mills, Daniel Nermark, Trevor Harding, Paul Lee, James Brundle, John Oliver.

Potters: Rusty Harrison, Ben Barker, Garry Stead, Paul Pickering, Robbie Kessler, Barrie Evans, Jack Hargreaves.

Latest standings

Midland Division

MWDLFABPts

Workington330017210017

Birmingham430117918117

King's Lynn21101206014

Sheffield511320425214

Stoke400413721900