TITLE hopefuls Scunthorpe and Sheffield combine for 30 heats of National League racing at Owlerton on Thursday (7pm).

Fans should note the earlier start time as the in-form Saints face Buxton and Stoke in a double-header with six league points available.

Hugely popular Sheffield man Paul Cooper continues his bid to rebuild his career by riding in the number one position for the joint Sheffield and Scunthorpe team who also include Sheffield regular Ashley Birks.

Stoke, meanwhile, have Tigers reserve Simon Lambert leading their charge in the second meeting.

Birks is backing the side to go all the way this season after a promising run of results.

He said: “Team-wise we have three strong heat leaders now and there’s a growing optimism right through the side, right down to the reserves.

“Last season we were down at the wrong end of the table but this time around it’s different and if we can get two good wins this week and keep that level of form up then we can win this league.”

SHEFFIELD / SCUNTHORPE: Paul Cooper, Ashley Birks, Gary Irving, Steven Worrall, Greg Blair, Adam Wrathall, Stefan Neilson.