Wolves speedway edged out of cup

Wolves 44 Eastbourne 46 (Eastbourne win 109-73 on aggregate)

The fireworks went off at Monmore Green before Wolves' cup clash with Eastbourne had even begun.

Given that their chances had gone up in smoke in the away leg the previous day, perhaps it was appropriate.

In any event, not only did the Eagles stroll through the semi-final tie - they had aggregate victory secured with fully six races remaining - but they also ended Wolves' two-year unbeaten home record.

Some 45 visiting teams have tried and failed to gain the upper hand since Ipswich's 50-42 success on 15 September 2008.

But Jekyll and Hyde Eastbourne, who lost their A and B league fixtures at Monmore by two and 32 points respectively, were worthy winners.

World long track champion Joonas Kylmakorpi, something of a track specialist, led from the front and pulled off a stunning pass in the fourth race when he flashed between Adam Skornicki and Ludvig Lindgren.

Guest Lewis Bridger was again a factor while there was plenty of zip from the Simon Gustafsson and Cameron Woodward engine room.

Team boss Peter Adams said afterwards: "I think that the air has come out of the team balloon over the last week or so."

Wolves, six points up at one stage, gradually fell back into the Eagles' clutches despite some determined riding from the home side.

It was all-square going into the last but Fredrik Lindgren, who had unfurled a stunning third to first ride in heat 10, could not quite repeat the trick.

Lindgren went from fourth to second in the blink of an eye and was closing on Zagar, only for the slightest of errors exiting the fourth bend to kill his momentum and allow Eastbourne their moment of glory.

Wolves at least made a prompt start on establishing their next unbeaten home run, beating Swindon comfortably in the league fixture that followed immediately afterwards.

The elder Lindgren was again masterful, dropping his only points in the final race to classy guest Scott Nicholls.

Captain Tai Woffinden went through the card - Nicholls kept him honest in heat five - and Adam Skornicki was also into double figures.

By Tim Hamblin