PETERBOROUGH delivered a stunning finish to break their Premier League Cup duck this afternoon (Easter Monday).
The Readypower Panthers produced back-to-back 5-1s in the final two races to clinch a 47-43 success at Rye House in the Southern Group.
Simon Lambert and Lewis Blackbird combined to haul Peterborough level in the penultimate instalment before top-scoring duo Michael Palm Toft and Robert Lambert finished the job in the finale by seeing off Anders Mellgren and the previously unbeaten Edward Kennett.
It was a welcome triumph after three defeats to open the campaign and fully deserved as they clawed their way back from being eight points behind with five races to run.
“It’s great to get the monkey off our backs,” said team boss Carl Johnson.
“We were confident we could get a result at Rye House and the lads delivered a terrific performance.
“We kept ourselves in contention throughout and came up with a really big finish.
“Having that first win on the board will do everyone the world of good and hopefully we can follow it up tonight.”
The victory ensured a winning start for Dale Allitt who has been drafted in to assist team boss Johnson.
Allitt is the team boss of the King’s Lynn Young Stars in the National League and also has involved in the Norfolk club’s senior side in the Elite League.
Panthers have made a quick return to the East of England Showground to take on Ipswich tonight (7.30pm) in the second part of their Easter Monday derby double.
RYE HOUSE 43: Eddie Kennett 12, Anders Mellgren 12,Nikolaj Jakobsen 6, Nico Covatti 4+3, Robin Aspegren 4, Steve Boxall 4, Luke Bowen 1.
PETERBOROUGH 47: Michael Palm-Toft 12+1, Robert Lambert 10+1, Ulrich Ostergaard 7, Simon Lambert 6, Richard Lawson 5+2, Lewis Blackbird 5+1, Ollie Greenwood 2+1.