Solway Sharks v Leeds Knights - Play-off chasing Sharks expected to offer plenty of bite in Dumfries

It makes them a more dangerous proposition, according to Knights’ head coach, Ryan Aldridge.

The Knights head to Dumfries having enjoyed mixed fortunes on their previous visits there this season, a 7-3 win in October followed by a 4-3 defeat after a shoot-out in mid-January.

Martin Grubb’s (pictured) team prepare to welcome the league leaders having seen their form take something of a dip in recent weeks, a 5-3 home defeat to play-off chasing rivals Raiders and a 5-4 loss on the road at Hull Seahawks last weekend leaving them with just one win in seven.

It leaves them in ninth spot, level on points with Bees IHC, but having played a game more. Raiders sit seventh, two points better off.

“They are fighting for one of the last two play-off spots so every point matters to them,” said Aldridge, whose team head north of the border looking to extend a six-game winning streak.

“I think they are a dangerous team anyway but the fact they are battling it out with a couple of other teams for those last play-off spots, makes them even more dangerous.”

Aldridge said the Dumfries ice pad, with its small neutral zone, itself offered unique challenges.

"It makes a massive difference,” added the Leeds coach. “It’s hard to play in, having a neutral zone that small.

"It’s just different to play on. You have more time in the D zone and the O zone but when you’re traveling through the neutral zone it just happens so quick, so it is tough to play in.

"Until you get out there you don’t realise how hard it can be to play on there.”