POOLE Pirates have turned to club legend Bjarne Pedersen to fill in for banned skipper Darcy Ward at Lakeside tomorrow (7.30pm).

The 36-year-old Eastbourne Eagles number one will plug the gap with Ward unable to compete until a decision is made regarding his failed alcohol test prior to the Latvian Grand Prix two weks ago.

Pedersen, the second-highest points in Pirates' history, enjoyed an unbroken nine-year stint in the Wimborne Road squad during which he lifted three Elite League titles.

The Danish dynamo had been due to line up against Poole for Piraterna in yesterday's World Speedway League in Zielona Gora but the inaugural event was washed out and has been rescheduled for October 18.

Pedersen is one of few away riders to enjoy strong form at the Arena Essex Raceway this year, scoring 11 points for Eastbourne back in April before totalling 12+1 in July.

Meanwhile, Poole have called on the services of in-form Swindon rider Dakota North with heat leader Shamek Pawlicki sidelined with a broken collarbone.

The 23-year-old Australian has impressed during since linking up with the Blunsdon outfit this season and has racked up no fewer than 81 points in eight meetings for the Robins during August. His haul includes 12 points against league leaders Kings Lynn 11 days ago.

Poole go into their latest clash six points behind the table-topping Stars with one meeting in hand.

Despite the season nearing its end, Pirates have yet to race at Lakeside this season but have taken maximum points from both home meetings against the Hammers.

Lakeside: (from) Davey Watt, Richard Lawson, Danny King, Kim Nilsson, Lewis Bridger, Adam Ellis, Ben Morley. Team manager: Neil Vatcher.

Pirates: (from) Bjarne Pedersen (guest), Josh Grajczonek, Maciej Janowski, Dakota North (guest), Vaclav Milik, Benji Compton, Kyle Newman. Team manager: Neil Middleditch.