SHEFFIELD boss Simon Stead insists his side’s hopes of defending their league title are still well and truly alive and is backing his team to overturn a 12 point semi-final deficit against Belle Vue at Owlerton on Thursday (September 19, 7.30pm).
The Tru7 Group Tigers lost the first leg 51-39 at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday with a Heat 15 5-1 to the Aces increasing their advantage.
Jack and Chris Holder won three programmed rides apiece but couldn’t stop the home duo of Dan Bewley and Jaimon Lidsey in the final heat after they both made a quick getaway.
Josh Pickering was the Tigers’ only other race winner as he finished on a more positive note after being plagued by bike problems throughout.
Whilst Stead would’ve preferred to keep it closer, he still has full faith in his riders to continue their stunning home form having scored at least 55 points on their last three outings in the Steel City.
“Looking back on it, I was obviously disappointed after Heat 15, but we’re still in it and that’s the main thing,” Stead said.
“When I was thinking about the result of the meeting, I certainly didn’t want to be carrying any more than 12 - but 12 keeps it really interesting.
“The boys are up for it and I can’t see Kyle (Howarth) having a night like he did, I can’t see Picko (Josh Pickering) having a night like he did and I can’t see Bomber (Chris Harris) having a night like he did.
“So if we have that swing and the Holder boys keep doing what they’re doing then all of a sudden it’s right back in the balance.
“Most recently we’ve been really dominant at home and displays have been really good from top to bottom throughout the team.
“We will need a team performance, we will need all seven riders to do their jobs on Thursday.
“We know it’s going to be tough but I still believe we can do it.
“We know our mettle at Sheffield, we know how good we are there - but we just need everybody to turn up.
“We know the supporters are going to turn out in big, big numbers and we’re going to need them to be in fine voice on Thursday to help create another special Owlerton atmosphere.”
Turnstiles open at 6pm on Thursday and admission is £23 adults, £21 concessions (over 65s and students - both with evidence), £1 kids (up to and including age 17) whilst all under-5s are admitted free of charge.
Supporters are reminded that Season Tickets are NOT valid for the play-offs.
Supporters are also reminded that the Carvery Restaurant, Panorama Suite and Snack Bar will all be open as usual.
ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF, SEMI-FINAL, 1st leg BELLE VUE 51: Dan Bewley 12, Jaimon Lidsey 11+2, Brady Kurtz 9+1, Antti Vuolas 5+2, Norick Blodorn 5+2, Ben Cook 5, Jake Mulford 4+1. SHEFFIELD 39: Jack Holder 12, Chris Holder 11, Chris Harris 5, Josh Pickering 4, Dan Gilkes 3+3, Jason Edwards 2, Kyle Howarth 2.
