KYLE Newman has escaped a lengthy spell on the sidelines and hopes to be fit for Pirates’ SGB Premiership Shield clash with Wolverhampton on Monday.

The Puddletown-based ace suffered a spectacular spill while pursuing former Poole team-mate Przemek Pawlicki in last night’s abandoned Darcy Ward Invitational, the 25-year-old subsequently withdrawing from the meeting.

It is understood Newman sustained sore shoulder muscles and a stiff neck. But the shoulder issue is not linked to a previous injury as had previously been reported.

He will sit out Ipswich’s home meeting against Sheffield tonight, which would have been his full Witches debut.

If Poole-born Newman misses out against Wolves on Monday, he will aim to return for the second leg at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.

Newman told his website: "What a way to start the season. The track wasn’t ideal and I’m just glad to escape without serious injury.

"I had seen some reports saying I had aggravated an old shoulder injury but that isn’t the case. I’ve simply hurt some muscles in my shoulder and I hope if I sit out tonight’s match at Ipswich I will be fit enough to ride on Monday.

“We will need to see how it goes over the next day or two and make a decision then, but the aim is to ride next week. It’s just frustrating to miss any matches at all.

“I’m gutted that the track wasn’t fit to ride as it was shaping up to be a top night with a very good line-up. Hopefully, we can get it run again and the guys come back."