BOSS Simon Stead felt both Sheffield and Belle Vue were reasonably content with Monday’s Knockout Cup Quarter-Final, first leg scoreline.

The Tru7 Group Tigers were beaten 49-41 at the home of their Manchester rivals leaving them with an eight point deficit to overturn in Thursday’s (April 4, 7.30) decider at Owlerton.

Tai Woffinden was again the side’s standout performer as he dropped just one point to an opponent.

Josh Pickering also continued his solid, consistent start to the season whilst Chris Holder recorded his best score of the year to date.

Stead felt the rest of his riders’ totals didn’t necessarily reflect their positioning throughout but is backing his side to come together once again to see them through to the Semi-Finals.

“It could’ve been better but it could’ve been a lot worse as well,” Stead said.

“We knew it was going to be a tough test because it’s a tough place to come to.

“Collectively we’ve kept it within eight and I can’t fault any of them for effort.

“I think eight points down going into the home fixture keeps it mouthwatering for both parties.”

PREMIERSHIP KNOCKOUT CUP QUARTER FINAL, 1ST LEG
BELLE VUE 49: Jaimon Lidsey 10, Norick Blodorn 9, Ben Cook 7+2, Connor Bailey 6+3, Dan Bewley 6+1, Connor Mountain 6, Brady Kurtz 5.
SHEFFIELD 41: Tai Woffinden 13+1, Chris Holder 8+1, Josh Pickering 7+2, Jack Holder 6+1, Kyle Howarth 5, Jason Edwards 2, Dan Gilkes 0.