Plymouth Gladiators v Glasgow Tigers

PLYMOUTH reserve Daniel Klima delivered a sensational display as the Gladiators advanced to the MAXiCab KO Cup semi-finals at the expense of Glasgow.

Klima racked up 17+3 from a full seven-ride stint at reserve in the second leg at the Coliseum, dropping his only point to Kevin Juhl Pedersen in his final race when the tie was already in the bag.

The Tigers had taken a four-point lead into the meeting but this was wiped out within two races, and Plymouth’s progression was secured as early as Heat 12 when Klima combined with Joe Thompson for a 5-1.

Scott Nicholls scored 10 for the Gladiators whilst Kyle Howarth (11) and Chris Harris (10+2) combined for two late consolation Glasgow 5-1s to leave the score on the night 51-39, with the Gladiators going through by eight points overall.

Klima said: “I’m really happy today. I was enjoying myself, enjoying the track and all evening it was great. I’m happy that we won today, and we have to keep going.”

Glasgow boss Cami Brown said: “Plymouth are a good side this season but we didn’t push them hard enough.

“Our top five matched their top five. The difference was from the reserve berths. They had a trump card in Daniel Klima. He was the difference.

“We are all gutted that our poor Cup record continues. We had poor luck at Ashfield in the first leg with mechanical issues. The damage was done in the last four races in the first leg.”

MAXICAB KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg
PLYMOUTH 51: Daniel Klima 17+3, Scott Nicholls 10, Ben Barker 8, Joe Thompson 7+2, Danny King 6+1, Tom Spencer 3+2, Anze Grmek r/r.
GLASGOW 39: Kyle Howarth 11, Chris Harris 10+2, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 8, Lewis Kerr 6+1, Kyle Newman 2, Freddy Hodder 2, Sam Hagon 0.
Plymouth win 94-86 on aggregate.

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Photo credit: SAM WHITFIELD