NEIL Middleditch is adamant the Knockout Cup matters and says he would love another trophy in the cabinet for Pirates.

Poole have been the most successful club in the competition in the Elite League and SGB Premiership eras, triumphing on no fewer than five occasions, the most recent of which was in 2012.

The competition was shelved for four seasons by British speedway bosses but returned last year, with Pirates falling at the first hurdle to eventual champions Belle Vue.

However, Middleditch's men will tomorrow have another crack at glory when they take on Somerset in the quarter-finals, the first leg taking place at the Oaktree Arena (7.30pm) after the morning duel at Wimborne Road had been postponed due to the forecast of wet weather.

Team boss Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "Every trophy is important to us and to get another one in the cabinet would be great.

"The Knockout Cup is not a long, drawn-out affair, it's only a few meetings. It is a competition which some may say doesn't carry a lot of weight but you have got to be in it to win it.

"There are plenty of other trophies in football, it's not just about the league. There's the FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield as well.

"I think people will just be happy to see the racing because we have so little racing in the UK as it is with the amount of teams in the league.

"It's a trophy to win and whoever wins will be delighted, including us."

Poole were paired with Somerset after it was decreed the quarter-final draw would be made on a regional basis.

The Rebels will be led by reigning world champion Jason Doyle, who roared to 11 points as his team were edged out 46-44 at Leicester on Monday.

Middleditch added: "World champion is a big mantle to carry and we have seven riders in our team who are very capable.

"Somerset don't hold any fears for me but I have respect for them. They are a good side and the Oaktree Arena is a vast, pacy race track but my boys are not afraid of a bit of speed.

"It's early days in the season and many good riders have hardly ridden at all, so they are going to be fighting to get race fitness.

"We want to hit the ground running but it's a long season. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I'd be happy for the boys to get everything together and make sure we are ready for the long haul."

The Rebels have booked Australian champion Rohan Tungate to guest in the absence of the unavailable Richard Lawson.

Somerset: Jason Doyle, Jake Allen, Charles Wright, Jack Holder, Rohan Tungate (guest), Bradley Wilson-Dean, Jonas Jeppesen.

Pirates: Brady Kurtz, Kacper Woryna, Josh Grajczonek, Linus Sundstrom, Peter Kildemand, Mateusz Szczepaniak, James Shanes.