Kids go free again at Blunsdon.

The Kids Go Free scheme will again be in operation at Blunsdon next Tuesday, as the Pro-Fit Sprockets entertain both Newcastle and Peterborough in a double-bill of Conference League action, which kicks off at the earlier than usual time of 7.00pm.

The Swindon side is again led by the dynamic opening heat duo of Barry Campbell and Simon Walker - the pair having formed a fabulous on-track understanding in recent weeks. Unfortunately, however, new signing Jamie Holmes suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder in his bebut against Wimbledon last Tuesday, and at the time of going to press there was no news of a replacement in the No.4 berth. There is also a gap at No.7, as team manager Peter Oakes weighs up his options of the reserve partner for the fast-improving Lee Smart.

Newcastle have named a youthful side for the first match, and although they will be operating rider replacement for William Lawson, their team line-up does include the Branney brothers, Craig and John, both of whom went through the racecard unbeaten by an opponent when the Sprockets visited Brough Park on 10 August. The most experienced speedster in the Gems team is 23-year-old Steven Jones, who first rode at Conference level for Lathallan in 1997.

Sadly, the Gateshead-born rider seemed to drift away from the sport after the 1999 campaign, despite making several impressive appearances in the senior Newcastle side. Having had his enthusiasm rekindled, Jones returned to the saddle last season and has made several telling contributions for the Gems, including a tally of paid 10 points in the aforementioned match against the Sprockets earlier this month.

The Pumas line-up sees a return to Blunsdon for former Sprocket Daniel King, while the rider replacement facilty will be in operation for brother Jason. Leading the side at No.1 is Steve Clarke, who will be familiar to many regulars for his appearances in Swindon's second-half events.

The Pumas team also includes Danny Norton, who of course, appeared for the Pebley Beach Robins at Glasgow last month in place of the injured Tommy Allen, and has since linked with Reading.

Looking forward to the double feature, Swindon promoter Peter Toogood stated: 'The Sprockets have seen quite a bit of action recently, and it has been great to see the progress in our lads. Staging the two meetings gives us the opportunity to make further strides, and a double success should see us move into the top half of the Conference League table.'