TIGERS bosses are urging fans to turn out in force for Thursday's clash with the Isle of Wight - after seeing them slump to a 59-32 defeat at Smallbrook on Tuesday.

The result leaves the Owlerton outfit woth a mountain to climb for the return leg as they continue to push for a place in the Premier League play-offs.

Club owner Neil Machin said: "It's that time of year when we need everyone to get behind us for that final push.

"Obviously we were well beaten at their place but we ran out of steam with all the injuries we had to cope with."

Reg Wilson's side went into the meeting without skipper Andre Compton, James Cockle and James Birkinshaw - and former favourite Lee Complin, still a club asset, stepped in as a guest.

Complin scored well and was used as Sheffield's tactical rider in heat 12 when he scored double points from second spot - but the Islanders picked up first and third which restricted Tigers to a 4-4 and therefore blocked their bid to get the scores closer.

The Islanders finished the meeting strongly with some impressive 5-1 maximums to give the scoreline a more emphatic appearance despite the brave efforts of the Owlerton club.

ISLE OF WIGHT: Jason Bunyan 12+1, Chris Holder 11+1, Chris Johnson 9+3, Krzysztof Stojanowski 9+1, Cory Gathercole 9, Glen Phillips 8+1, Karl Mason1.
SHEFFIELD: Lee Complin 11+1, Ben Wilson 8, Ricky Ashworth 3+1, Paul Cooper, 3, Joel Parsons 3, Ben Powell 3, Karlis 1.