SHEFFIELD’S in-form speedway riders are through to the last 16 of the Knockout Cup after winning 48-44 at Scunthorpe on Friday night – that’s 103-80 on aggregate.
The Sheffield Window Centre-backed side were always in control of the tie after holding a handy – but lucky – 19-point lead from the first leg at Owlerton 24-hours earlier.
Joel Parsons and Ben Wilson both top scored with 10+1 apiece – but this was all about a solid team performance with every team member chipping in with valuable points.
Success was secured with a 5-1 in Heat 11 through the in-form Parsons and Ricky Ashworth, who earlier had suffered bike problems.
They could afford to relax from that point on but, in typical style, they went on to win on the night to send another clear message to the rest of the league.
Ex-Tiger Richard Hall was brought in as a tactical substitute for Scunthorpe in the penultimate race to try and restore some pride – but from a 15-metre handicap it as always too much to catch Paul Cooper, though it was a fine effort to finish second.
Scorpions enjoyed a maximum in the last race through Carl Wilkinson and on-loan Tigers asset Andrew Moore, but this as nothing more than a consolation.
Eric Boocock’s men will now meet Isle of Wight Islanders in the last 16.
SCUNTHORPE: Andrew Moore 14, Carl Wilkinson 11+1, Richard Hall 10, Byron Bekker 5+1, Viktor Bergstrom 2+1, Magnus Karlsson 1+1, Benji Compton 1. SHEFFIELD: Joel Parsons 10+1, Ben Wilson 10+1, Andre Compton 9, Ricky Ashworth 6+2, Paul Cooper 6, Sam Martin 4+1, Lee Smethills 3.
