WORKINGTON GT Tyres Comets team boss James Denham insists his side has what it takes to cause an upset in the playoffs semi-final this week.

After securing victory against the Plymouth Gladiators on Saturday, September 7, the Workington Comets clinched fourth place in the Cab Direct Championship and secured playoff speedway.

The Comets will now face table toppers Poole Pirates in the semi-final of the playoffs, starting with a trip to Wimborne Road on Wednesday, September 11 and followed by the return leg at the GT Tyres Arena on Saturday, September 14.

Ahead of this playoff semi-final, boss James Denham expressed his belief the Comet's ability to cause an upset.

He said: "This is what we have been aiming for all season.

"From the beginning, I said we just need to need to take it on a meeting-by-meeting basis, build the team spirit and most of all go out there and enjoy it.

"That will not change for Poole this week. The main thing is that the lads are relaxed and they just need to enjoy it."

Despite the Comets enduring an injury-hit season, with Tate Zischke, Claus Vissing, and skipper Craig Cook all out, however, Denham believes that shrew guest choices could be the difference against the Poole Pirates.

He said: "It’s been a headache at times this year, especially trying to arrange guests.

Losing Tate reasonably early on could’ve easily derailed our season with the fantastic form he was in, but I think we have made some wise choices of guests home and away since then and also strengthening up at reserve with Paul Starke coming in.”

“This Wednesday at Poole Lewi Kerr will replace Cookie at number one, Jason Edwards will also come in at two, and Leon Flint at 4.

"Claus has tried everything to be fit but is still having issues with his shoulder and hand unfortunately.

"But our guests for the away leg on Wednesday have historically gone really well around their place so we are hoping they can produce the goods for us."

Denham also maintained that his side are ready for the two meetings and called on fans to get behind the team.

He said: "We are ready for the toughest of tests this week, there’s no doubt Poole will be favourites - but that suits us."

“At the start of the season, we were predicted to be bottom but look where we are now and that is a fantastic achievement in our first year back in the Championship.

"It is also a real credit to Andrew for unearthing hidden gems like Tate and Antti."

"But we need the support of our fans on Saturday at Northside, it will be so important to our lads and no matter what happens on Wednesday it will be all to play for on Saturday afternoon.

"It should be a cracker of a meeting."