Silver Machine commence Elite League assault.

The Oxford Silver Machine commence their assault on the 2003 Sky Sports Elite League when they travel North to take on the Belle Vue Aces from Manchester tonight [Monday].

Oxford and Belle Vue are the last two teams to start their Elite League campaign and have been set a mighty challenge by the Coventry Bees, who are currently unbeaten after three matches and sit at the top of the Elite League table.

The Aces have a solid spearhead in the shape of Jason Crump and Jason Lyons, and also have two ex-Oxford riders in the shape of Steve Johnston and Ales Dryml in their side. Oxford are likely to be without Travis McGowan following his withdrawal from Friday's meeting with suspected appendicitis. Charlie Gjedde has been confirmed as the rider at number seven in his place, and promoter Nigel Wagstaff is confident that the team will have sorted out the problems which robbed them of a win last Friday night.

"It was a frustrating night but, if you are going to have that sort of bad luck, then a challenge match is the right time to have it," he admitted.

This Friday [4 April], the Silver Machine entertain current league champions Wolverhampton for their first home Elite League fixture, while Oxford's Conference League team commence their campaign away at Wimbledon on Wednesday night and full details will be released shortly.