PIRATES co-promoter Matt Ford believes Magnus Zetterstrom may be their trump card in the Elite League title play-off final against Wolves.

The 32-year-old Swede hasn't been firing on all cylinders for a few months now after a bright start to the season. But he drops down to reserve in Poole RIAS' team when the new averages come into effect on October 1.

And that could work in Pirates' favour as Zetterstrom will surely raise his game to produce the goods against a Wolves side who struggled to overcome Ipswich in the semi-final on Tuesday.

It means Zetterstrom swaps places with current number two Krzysztof Kasprzak for the Dorset club's trip to Monmore Green on Monday in the first leg of the final. Zorro, as Zetter-strom is known, also lines up at number seven in the second leg at Wimborne Road on Monday, October 11.

Ford said: "We're hoping that Magnus might be our trump card. Magnus usually goes well around Monmore Green whereas Krzysztof has only ridden there once before I think.

"So it will be good that Magnus will go out in the reserve races and hopefully he can pick up some much-needed points.

"Magnus has had a difficult time during the second half of the season, but I truly believe that now is the time he will show his worth and want to score more points And that couldn't come at a better time."

Ford, meanwhile, has confirmed that the Polish Select side has had to be changed dramatically ahead of their trip to Wimborne Road tomorrow.

The challenge match is Poole's last one before the two title showdowns against Wolves and their home BSPA Knockout Cup semi-final against Swindon or Belle Vue - who meet in the second leg of their quarter-final tonight - on October 6.

A top junior meeting in Poland has been re-scheduled for this Sunday and the Polish Federation would not release Adrian Miedzinski, Robert Miskowiak, Marcin Rempala, Pawel Hlib, Piotr Swiderski and Karol Zabik for the fixture, as was originally the case.

Polish Select line-up: Lukas Jankowski, Jacek Rempala, Robert Kasprzak (all Leszno), Adam Pawliczek (Opole), Roman Chromik (Rybnik), Tomasz Chrzanowski (Gdansk) and one other rider to be confirmed.

Krzysztof Kasprzak, who was going to line up for Poole, switches sides and will ride for Polish Select, with his brother Robert as their number eight.

Pirates will be at full strength except for Danny Warwick, the Conference League rider who fills in for Krzysztof Kasprzak.

Ford said: "I am slightly disappointed we won't have the opportunity to see the likes of Miskowiak, Miedinski and Marcin Rempala as they have all become known names with their various successes this season.

"However, the group of riders Zenon Kasprzak, who is Krzysztof and Robert's father, has recommended in their places all have plenty of potential.

"And it will be good for us to be able to see these stars of the future.

"Who knows, we might well be discovering another Krzysztof Cegielski or Grzegorz Walasek and I firmly believe we will be in for a very enjoyable encounter despite all the problems we have encountered putting this fixture together."

Pirates fans who want to book a place on one of the supporters' coaches going to Wolves on Monday (October 4) should contact Dave Tarr, of Sea View Coaches, on 01202 600778.

First published: September 29