Arena Essex Hammers meet Isle Of Wight in a Premier League match tonight (8pm) at the Purfleet raceway without new recruit Carl Baldwin.

Following his crash last week against Edinburgh, the 37-year-old had decided against resuming this week despite having recovered from slight concussion.

The rider also sustained bad bruising which makes it difficult for him to control the bike and so he has opted to stand down.

Mark Thompson steps into the team in the reserve berth against a side who include track specialist Ray Morton and former Arena reserve Nick Simmons whilst they also boast one of the sports up-and-coming talents in Danny Bird.

Meanwhile, Kelvin Tatum returns for the Hammers.

Published Friday August 23, 2002

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