PROMOTER Matt Ford feels too much has been made of previous tensions between Pirates and Coventry.

Poole triumphed in a curtailed encounter at Brandon in June with the Bees fined for failing to send riders out for heat 10 – the final race.

And Bees reserve James Sarjeant was involved in a spat with Poole start marshal Rob Wadham later that month.

However, looking ahead to tonight’s play-off semi-final clash between the teams, Ford told the Daily Echo: “I think people make too much of it.

"Coventry are just like any other team to me. They are a team we want to beat, not for any reason in particular but purely because it’s our job.

“It wouldn’t be any different if we were facing any other club.

“I know that Gary Havelock will have his riders wound up like a spinning wheel and they will be out to perform. But we hope that Coventry will prove the right choice for us."

Ford added: “Some riders would like to feel play-off speedway is no different to a normal meeting whereas others thrive on it.

“Due to the expectations of fans and management, there is no doubt that the levels of pressure are far greater at this time of year.

“These two meetings are crucial for us and riders need to stand up and be counted.”