Eastbourne have told their young guns to raise their game again in the Knockout Cup.

The Fineprint Eagles want a double-digit win in today’s Knockout Cup first leg at home to Birmingham (3pm).

But boss Jon Cook says the fact Brummies were at Arlington just 13 days ago might make life tricky.

Cook said: “It’s not ideal they are coming back so soon because they will have the set-ups for our track.

“We have got to be aware they are a strength-in-depth line-up and represent a very different challenge to Somerset, who we beat last Saturday.

“All the young guns at the bottom end of our team will need to be firing.”

That puts the onus on second strings Ben Morley and Alfie Bowtell as well as reserves Georgie Wood and Tom Brennan to pull their weight.

Cook added: “I think they struggled a bit against Birmingham last time so it is an interesting time for them to return.

“I think a lead of ten or 12 points is the minimum you look for in the Knockout Cop these days. Hopefully we can do that.”

Eagles will also hope for another four-figure crowd as their return to professional speedway gets off to a bright start on and off the track.

Cook said: “So far we have had great support and a wonderful atmosphere and Good Friday is always a big day for speedway.”

Gates open at 1pm with the first 100 children into the stadium receiving a free Easter egg.