ALUN Rossiter believes tonight’s meeting with Birmingham could be vital for out-of-form reserve Simon Stead as he bids to find his groove ahead of a possible play-off final meeting with Poole.

Stead has slipped from being a heat leader at the start of the campaign to reserve during the final month of the regular season, during a year where he also celebrated his testimonial.

The Brit has made changes to both his equipment and pit crew in a bid to find his form, but only managed 1+1 in Monday’s 55-35 victory at Perry Barr as the Rob Rossiter believes a lack of meetings has caused problems for Stead, but is hoping he can boost his confidence with a good display in tonight’s second leg. “The only down side to everything at the moment is the complete lack of rides that Simon Stead is getting at the moment, which everyone can clearly see,” he said.

“It has been a hard season for him because he has only been riding in the Elite League while the other boys have been off all over the place, and I suppose it is not really his fault because he can’t double up.

“There isn’t really anything we can do about it but it is a real problem because he doesn’t really look comfortable on the bike at all.

“He just has to keep going and help his groin holds up because he is struggling with that after a crash.

“So with that and the lack of meetings it is a worry.”

“Tonight’s meeting is really important for him to get sorted ahead of hopefully the final on Monday.”

Rossiter is also pleased to have Dawid Lampart available to him once again, after the Pole missed Monday’s victory through injury.

“We always want a full team out and it will be good to have Dawid back because he has done well for us this year.

“He hasn’t quite been himself recently either, so he will want a good night tonight.”