STARS SECURE TEN POINT LEAD

KING’S Lynn finally broke their Sheffield hoodoo with a first win in 18 attempts against the Tigers to set up a fascinating KO Cup semi-final second leg.

The Stars will take a ten-point lead to Owlerton later this month after recording an impressive 50-40 win at the Adrian Flux Arena to bring an end to a long line of disappointments when facing the Tigers.

Skipper Nicolai Klindt led by example with 13 points including a superb first lap in Heat 15 to get the better of the Holder brothers, whilst Patryk Wojdylo impressed with 11 from five rides.

Jack Holder reached 10+1 for the Tigers and Chris Holder added 9+1 but they were left to reflect on a meeting where their gating had been below normal levels.

Stars boss Rob Lyon said: “It was a great team performance all the way through. With all due respect, I don’t think anybody expected us to beat Sheffield by ten.
“I appreciate that Sheffield have been a difficult team to beat these last few years but that will make massive difference psychologically moving forward.
“They had their full team out but the boys took it to them to give ourselves a great chance.”

Tigers team boss Simon Stead added: “I just didn’t think we were quite at it.

“We got outgated on a track that didn’t necessarily lend itself well to any passing; starts were crucial and we were lacking in that department a little bit.

“Not enough winners, too many last places and it was a tough night at the office. “But credit where it’s due, King’s Lynn were on the gas and we weren’t.”

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Photo credit: DEREK LEADER