David Norris today vowed to shut up the critics and keep Eastbourne Eagles' season alive.

Eagles face a massive test at Coventry, the form team of British speedway, in the Elite League Knockout Cup semifinals tonight (8pm).

Promoter Jon Cook has set them the minimum target of losing by nine points or less to set up the second leg at Arlington next Saturday.

Norris, though, admits there will be personal pride at stake as well after he and skipper Dean Barker came in for stick from a minority of Eagles fans.

Refreshed by a midweek fishing trip and re-invigorated by a change of engine, Norris dropped just one point in six heats as Eagles ended their home Elite League programme with a win on Saturday.

The fairly comfortable 54-39 verdict over Ipswich means Eagles have won 17 of 20 home league fixtures to retain something of a feelgood factor on Arlington race nights.

But the season will have passed Eagles by if they go down heavily tonight and Norris knows that could bring the critics out in force.

The vastly experienced Eastbourne rider said: "We know these are the things we can do and we can't understand why it hasn't happened more often for us.

"Maybe we will prove our critics wrong at Coventry.

"We've had some severe criticism on the websites.

"Although it is only a few people, personally I find it very insulting.

"I value their opinions strongly because they are our supporters and sometimes you can pick things up from them.

"But the general idea that me and Dean Barker are past it and also Jon Cook I find an insult when all I am trying to do is race a speedway bike and give them enjoyment."

Norris gave plenty of entertainment on Saturday, not least in his tussles with old Arlington favourite Mark Loram, who he beat in two meetings out of three.

Loram gave the crowd good value but Witches were led by their guest Todd Wiltshire, the fast-starting Aussie who won three out of six.

Those successes included a nominated ride as Eagles conceded an 8-1 in heat seven to eat into their early 24-12buffer.

Loram and Kim Jansson had a 5-1 to bring Ipswich within three points with four heats to go but the home response was impressive.

Barker held off Robert Miskowiak as Lewis Bridger hurtled around the outside for a 5-1 in the next race.

Norris then won the last three races of the night, one as replacement rider for Nicki Pedersen, as Eagles finished with two 4-2s and a maximum.

All riders contributed and Edward Kennett will have enjoyed passing Loram for a 5-1 with Norris in heat six Coventry will offer a tougher challenge tonight, especially as their skipper Scott Nicholls came through Saturday's Latvian GP after recovering from a broken collarbone.

Morten Risager is also back after a broken leg. Pedersen returns for Eagles buoyed by a final appearance in Latvia.

The Dane finished third to regain third place overall, two points clear of former Coventry rider Andreas Jonsson with one event to go.

Norris fancies the Brandon battle.

He said: "Chris Harris is absolutely flying, I'm not sure when Scotty is back but Risager is back so it's going to be tough."

  • Tonight's teams. Coventry: Nicholls, Janniro, Allen, Harris, Schlein r/r, Batchelor, Risager. Eagles: Shields, Kennett, Barker, Norris, Pedersen, Woodward, Bridger.