Plymouth Gladiators v Scunthorpe Scorpions

SCUNTHORPE produced a late fightback to salvage a first away point of the season at Plymouth on Tuesday.

The Gladiators led 37-23 after ten races, but the Scorpions responded with a series of advantages, including a 4-2 led by Tero Aarnio in Heat 15, to make the final score 48-42.

Hans Andersen (11+1) and guest Richard Lawson (10+2) both scored double figures for the hosts, whilst Ryan Douglas (14) and Aarnio (11) impressed for the visitors.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey, who stood in as manager, said: “To get a point at Plymouth does feel like a win, especially considering we were 14 points down with five races to go and still 12 down with just a couple of races remaining.

“It’s also good because we know how good Plymouth are around here – they destroyed Leicester last week.

“It was a team effort, with everyone willing each other on, whether they scored well or not. And the point that Ryan Kinsley got in his final outing proved very important.

“I was considering using Jake Allen alongside Ryan in Heat 15, but Tero told me he could do it and he produced a superb ride off the outside gate to win the race, while Ryan held out Hans Andersen for the point.

“So far this year, there’s been a lot of big home victories in our league, so to come here, at such a tricky track, and gain a point is hugely morale-boosting for us.”

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Photo credit: JON SPOARD