NEIL Middleditch admits yawning gaps in the speedway calendar are not beneficial for riders or fans as Pirates prepare to return to action.

The Elite League reigning champions have not raced since they secured a useful home victory over play-off rivals Swindon four weeks ago.

King's Lynn are the visitors to Wimborne Road tonight and Middleditch is champing at the bit at the prospect (7.30pm).

The Poole team boss echoed promoter Matt Ford's call for more fixtures and conceded a lack of continuity had hurt the shale sport.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "Basically I've been kicking my heels waiting for the speedway to get going again.

"It's been one of those seasons where, even though we are approaching July, I don't even feel we have got going yet, which is ridiculous.

"There has been no continuity. In this area, Wednesday night is speedway night but it doesn't seem to be that any more.

"There is a meeting on a Wednesday and then two, three or four weeks off before the next meeting.

"It's not good for the riders or the fans. I don't know what the solution is but we need more fixtures.

"I'd certainly rather be at speedway on a Wednesday night than be sitting at home. That's what I do.

"I know we have a couple of meetings coming up but there is a 12-day gap after the Lakeside fixture on Friday."

King's Lynn may be second-bottom of the Elite League but Middleditch is wary of the dangers presented by Rob Lyon's side.

The Stars have drafted in Coventry's Chris Harris to guest for Niels-Kristian Iversen and Middleditch added: "Never underestimate King's Lynn.

"They have got some good boys in their team who are fully capable of scoring points.

"Bomber makes no secret of the fact he likes riding the Poole track and we've seen to our cost how good he can be there. He's a very good rider for them to bring in.

"We are certainly not complacent. Four weeks ago we secured wins over Swindon home and away and we have to continue in that vein."