UNBEATEN Wightlink Warriors face off against the heavy-hitting Cradley Heathens in the popular Vince Mapley Memorial Trophy at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde this evening (Thursday).

The Warriors' highly positive start to the season, will be put under close examination by the visitors, who have lined up a decent attack.

Former Warrior, Chris Widman, will be making a welcome return to the Island — albeit for the Heathens, who also name Chris Watts in their team seemingly none the worse after his dramatic fall towards the end of last week’s meeting.

It will be ‘backs-to-the wall’ stuff for the Warriors, who have Ben Morley absent because of work commitments.

His place will be taken by Jake Turner, with regulars Brayden McGuinness, George Congreve, Arran Butcher and Chad Wirtzfeld also on the team sheet — all being urged to dig deep for this meeting.

The Warriors' sixth rider has yet to be announced.

Wightlink Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop said: “Cradley have taken every opportunity to stitch together their side, in such a way as to put us under pressure from the off.

"Without Ben we will undoubtedly be at a disadvantage, so we need as much vocal support as we can muster to help the boys on track tackle a really tough task."

As well as the pre-meeting demonstration races, there will also be a training fixture between the Wightlink Wizards and Weymouth Wildcats.

Gates open at Smallbrook at 5.15pm with the demonstration races at 6.10pm followed by the main event at 7pm.