By Ky Capel - Dorset Echo

Weymouth Doonan Wildcats host the Bristol Bulldogs tonight (7.15pm) in a Challenge meeting at the Wessex Stadium. Tonight's meet will give the Wildcats the perfect chance of a warm-up ahead of next weekend's Conference League fixture with the Rye House Raiders. But the hosts will have to get used to life without star rider Jon Armstrong as he remains in hospital after suffering a broken leg in the Conference League Pairs last weekend at Weymouth.

In a disastrous night for Arm-strong and the Wildcats, the Mighty Midget's injuries could see him out of action for the rest of the season. And although the Wildcats are expected to use rider replacement tonight in Armstrong's absence, chairman Phil Bartlett is still searching for a suitable substitute with future meetings in mind. He said: "I have had my phone continuously attached to my ear since last Saturday and although nothing can be confirmed, we are hoping to make an announcement sometime next week with regards to Jon's replacement.

"Jon's had an operation on his knee but as yet there is no time scale on his return to action, however, he's desperate to get back out on the track. Not only will his presence be missed on the track, but he is also invaluable in the pits, a real inspiration and motivator to the team. He will be very difficult to replace and we all wish him a speedy and full recovery."

The Bulldogs, riding for the first time in 30 years, have some familiar names in their line-up with the likes of Mark Simmonds and Michael Coles. But two of the club's riders - last year's British Under-15 Champion Daniel Greenwood and experienced international grass tracker Paul Derrick - are set to make their professional debuts. Swindon-based 17-year-old Ben Reade, American Shaun Harmatiuk and Gareth Isherwood complete the Bristol squad.

Wildcats' team manager Jem Dicken said: "It's going to be a very interesting meeting with some intriguing opponents who may or may not take to the Weymouth track. Although there are some inexperienced riders in the Bulldogs' team, the likes of Mark Simmons and Michael Coles will no doubt be on hand in the pits passing on the benefit of their experience. It's hard to predict the outcome as there are some unknown quantities in the Bulldogs' team but I am confident of a home win."

Line-ups Weymouth Wildcats: 1 R/R for Jon Armstrong, 2 Brendan Johnson, 3 Luke Priest, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Tim Webster, 7 Kyle Newman.

Bristol Bulldogs: 1 Shaun Harmatuik, 2 Ben Reade, 3 Mark Simmonds, 4 Gareth Isherwood, 5 Michael Coles, 6 Daniel Greenwood, 7 Paul Derrick.