Wolstenholme backs his boys.

Rye House Raiders Skipper Simon Wolstenholme believes that his team are in great shape to pull off one of the greatest escape acts since Houdini in the final of the Conference League Knockout Cup.

The Hoddesdon stalwart is backing Rye's team of teenagers to pull back a 26-point deficit in the second leg on Saturday after the team lost 58-32 to Buxton on Sunday.

He said: "I know on the face of it we go into this meeting as the underdogs but nobody rides Hoddesdon like we do and that's worth a bagful of points right from the start. The track conditions in the first leg really caught us out and allowed the Hitmen to perform what seemed to be a cup-winning 'hit'"

"But talking to the boys after the meeting we know that there's life in the patient yet and we can't wait to get out on the track and give them a taste of their own medicine."

Wolstenholme himself was doubtful for the first leg following a wrist injury but rode through the pain barrier - although he has now aggravated the injury and is definitely ruled out for the final.

But the skipper will be there in the pits on Saturday and will be cheering his young charges on to what would be a sensational victory if they can pull it off.

He added: "We've been the underdogs every time we have competed in the final of this competition for the last three years, so this time we're hoping that a bit of luck goes our way and that we can an early opportunity to eat into that lead."