SHEFFIELD Pirtek Tigers have kept their Premier League title hopes alive after a narrow 50-43 defeat at the Isle of Wight.

The Owlerton side will start Thursday's home leg as clear favourites to make progress to the play-off final after keeping the enthusiastic Islanders at bay on their own circuit.

Skipper Andre Compton returned from a shoulder innury and Emiliano Sanchez declared himself fit after recovering from a virus to boost the travelling squad.

Tigers co-owner Neil Machin said: "It's really nicely poised for the return leg but I would say we hold a slight advantage after that result.

"All the boys worked hard and I cannot fault any of them. We're looking good, but there is still a job to do when we face them at Owlerton and we need all our fans to get right behind us."

ISLE OF WIGHT: Jason Doyle 14, Chris Holder 10+1, Ray Morton 9, Nick Simmons 7+2, Krzysztof Stojanowski 5+2, Jason Bunyan 5+1, Chris Johnson 0.

TIGERS: Ben Wilson 10+2, Kyle Legault 9, Andre Compton 9, Emiliano Sanchez 8+2, Ricky Ashworth 3, Paul Cooper 3, Mark Thompson 1+1.