PETERBOROUGH were beaten, but far from disgraced, in their penultimate Premier League away fixture of the regular season on Sunday.
The ‘TC Harrison’ Panthers went down to an 11-point loss at the hands of Newcastle – one of two other teams vying with them for the last remaining place in the play-offs.
It was by far the most respectable scoreline managed during a run of five away defeats in the space of 10 days and achieved with a heavily depleted team which included two guests and use of the rider replacement facility.
Number one Lasse Bjerre made an impressive return to the team after missing a Friday loss at Scunthorpe with a 15-point haul boosted by a successful tactical ride while skipper Ulrich Ostergaard battled through the pain following a crash during the Scoprions clash with 10+2.
Bjerre took three of the four heat victories by Panthers riders with reserve Nicki Barrett the other man to come home in front when winning heat two. Barrett notched all seven of his points from his first three rides.
Team boss Carl Johnson admitted: “I must admit I feared the worst with such a depleted team and the guys certainly exceeded my expectations.
“The last few days have gone down as a big negative in our season, but at least there were things to be positive about last night.
“We were always slightly too far adrift to challenge for a league point, but we made Newcastle work hard for their win and kept them honest.
“Despite such a bad run of results we are still in a position where we can make the play-offs and with three big home meetings to come, we are really going to need the fans behind us.”
Panthers now find themselves six points off the final play-off berth – currently occupied by last night’s conquerors Newcastle – but three of their remaining four meetings are at home.
The first two of those are tomorrow (Tuesday) when Workington and Glasgow both visit the East of England Showground (7pm start).
Panthers then go to Plymouth on Friday (September 12) ahead of a home clash against Rye House on Sunday (September 14).
SCORES
NEWCASTLE: Ludvig Lindgren 14, Stuart Robson 11+1, Danny King 9, Lewis Kerr 8+3, Simon Nielsen 7+1, Aaron Fox 3, Rider replacement for Lewis Rose.
‘TC HARRISON’ PANTHERS: Lasse Bjerre 15, Ulrich Ostergaard 10+2, Nicki Barrett 7, Alex Edberg 4+2, Adam Roynon 4+1, Danny Phillips 1, Rider replacement for Ales Dryml.
