Bees roar into play-off frame

Kasprzak: Great win (Pic credit Fotospeedway.pl)

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Coventry Bees blew the play-off battle in the Sky Sports Elite League wide open after a brilliant 46-44 win at Peterborough.

Peterborough had looked like they had a top-four spot all but sealed, but their second home defeat in the space of a week has given Coventry real cause for optimism.

Coventry are now just three points adrift of Peterborough following their first win at the East of England Showground since 2003.

Coventry were led home by number one Krzysztof Kasprzak with 12 points, but their reserves were the true heroes with Przemyslaw Pawlicki (10+3) and Lewis Bridger (8+1) both scoring heavily.

Not happy

Danish GP star Kenneth Bjerre (13+1) was in excellent form again, but he was the only Panther to hit double figures and team boss Trevor Swales was left fuming.

"We've got riders who either don't want to do it, or aren't capable of doing it," said Swales.

"Some of them have got to put their hands up and admit that the last couple of meetings they have been absolute rubbish. It's about time that they realise that.

"To lose two meetings at home in a week is totally unacceptable and I thought that we were a better team than that, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe we are just sixth place material, and not top four material. I think some of the riders need to say what they feel; because I know that personally I'm absolutely gutted. If we're being realistic, that has put us out of the play-offs."

With the Elite League cut-off for play-off qualification coming next week, both sides now have just two matches left to decide their season.

Lakeside are also involved in the shake-up and could be overhauled, as they surprisingly missed the chance to seal third place after drawing 45-45 at home against Swindon Robins.

Lee Richardson top-scored for The Hammers with 11, but that was as good as it good for the Essex side.

Legendary Swindon skipper Leigh Adams led his side brilliantly with paid 15, whilst Maciek Janowski impressed hugely with 11+3.

Lakeside now host Peterborough on Monday in what is a key fixture - and you can see it live on Sky Sports HD1 from 7.30pm.

On the same night Coventry travel to Belle Vue, so by Monday evening the play-off picture will be much clearer.