POOLE Pirates head to Cumbria aiming to defend a 14-point lead as they hope to reach their third final of the season.

Pirates face Workington in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final at 3pm on Saturday, September 14, after beating the Comets 52-38 in the first leg on Wednesday night.

The south coast side returned to full strength in that fixture, with Vinnie Foord returning from a shoulder injury that has kept him out since July.

It was a strong performance from Poole’s top three averaged riders, with Richard Lawson recording a full house, while skipper Ben Cook scored a paid maximum and Tom Brennan dropped just one point.

Since losing to Oxford at Wimborne Road, Pirates are on a six-match unbeaten spell.

Comets will be without injured trio Craig Cook, Claus Vissing and Tate Zischke with three guests in Charles Wright, Jason Edwards and Dan Thompson in in their places.

Pirates remain unchanged for the Comets clash and will be at full strength in Cumbria.

Team manager for the tie, promoter Danny Ford wants Pirates to keep the momentum going.

He said: “We head to Workington with a 14-point lead, but we're not just looking to defend that.

“We will be pushing for the win on the 'night'. With Charles Wright, Jason Edwards and Dan Thompson guesting, Workington will be a very strong side, especially on their home track.

“But our boys are up for the challenge, and we are fully focused on getting the job done and securing our place in the final.”

The winner on aggregate will face Oxford or Scunthorpe in the Grand Final, with the two yet to complete their first leg after it was postponed due to poor weather.

They race their first leg at Scunthorpe tonight, Friday, and their second leg is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Workington (TM James Denham): 1: Charles Wright (Guest); 2: Jason Edwards (Guest); 3: Antti Vuolas; 4: Dan Thompson (Guest); 5: Troy Batchelor (Capt); 6 Paul Starke; 7: Sam McGurk.

Poole (TM Danny Ford): 1: Richard Lawson; 2: Sam Hagon; 3: Ben Cook (Capt); 4: Zach Cook; 5: Tom Brennan; 6: Tobias Thomsen; 7: Vinnie Foord.