Eagles will take on Kings in speedway's KO Cup

The mouthwatering tie has been announced prior to the main Championship fixtures, which will be released in the next few days.

Eagles co-promoter Trevor Geer said: “The BSPL, with the backing of all promoters, suggested that the KO Cup draw should be regionalised in the early stages to reduce travel at a time when there may still be Covid-19 restrictions and also to ensure some exciting local derbies.

"With 12 clubs in the League, a draw was held to give 4 clubs byes into Round 2. We are delighted to have drawn an exciting Round 1 match with our old friends and rivals from Kent, in what will be their Championship debut season. "

It took Ian Jordan and Len Silver about two minutes to arrange the fixtures to suit all concerned.

Eagles Managing Director Jordan added: “We have worked very closely with Kent, supporting each other on a number of fronts over the winter, and rebuilding old friendships from our National League days.

"We look forward to two titanic battles with Kent with the winners going through to an equally mouthwatering second round clash against either the Poole Pirates or the Plymouth Gladiators.

"With all matches requiring online ticketing in 2021 and possibly restricted numbers in at least the early months, I’m sure that all of the tickets will be snapped up quickly when they go on sale, and of course our season and 10 match ticket holders tickets from 2020, WILL be valid for this match and take priority in any restricted crowd allocation.”

Further details regarding tickets for both the KO Cup match against The Kings and the main 2021 season fixtures will be provided by the end of the week.

CHAMPIONSHIP KNOCKOUT CUP LINE-UP:

ROUND ONE:

Edinburgh v Newcastle

Redcar v Birmingham

Plymouth v Poole

Eastbourne v Kent

ROUND TWO (Quarter-Finals):

Edinburgh / Newcastle v Redcar / Birmingham

Plymouth / Poole v Eastbourne / Kent

Berwick v Glasgow

Scunthorpe v Leicester

Ties to be decided over two legs.