Debut riders for both sides could make tonight’s crunch league clash between Workington Comets and their oldest rivals Berwick Bandits (7pm start) tough to call.

James Sarjeant is due to make his first appearance for the hosts since joining as Adam Roynon’s replacement and club owner Laura Morgan admitted it was a deal which they were happy to get over the line.

Morgan said: “James missed out on a team place at the start of the season before rejoining his 2016 side Ipswich as short-term cover for the injured Kyle Newman.

“But with Newman having regained his fitness, James was again without a club, so we are delighted to bring him to Workington in a move that works very well for both parties.”

Meanwhile, a struggling Berwick team which has already changed drastically since the start of the season will welcome David Howe for his first meeting in Bandits’ colours as Liam Carr makes way.

The Bandits are rooted to the bottom of the table with just one league point but have experience on their side with former Comets captain and No.1 Kevin Doolan and now the experienced Howe, who has three Grand Prix appearances to his name.