Wolves back to winning ways with home success

Having suffered their heaviest defeat of the season at King's Lynn last week, Wolves withstood a late Panthers fight-back to take all three points following a tense last-heat decider.

It was reserve Jacob Thorssell who proved the star for the Monmore men as he notched four race wins – one of them paid – on his way to the best score of his British career.

The Swedish youngster was instrumental in giving Wolves the upper hand in the early stages as they raced to a 15-point lead after nine heats.

After Fredrik and Ludvig Lindgren combined for a heat advantage in the opening race, Thorssell stormed from the gate to lead a 5-1 with Ludvig Lindgren in heat two.

Another trio of maximums followed in heats four, six and eight – all involving the speedy19-year-old.

Wolves looked set for a comfortable win – yet Peterborough hit back to take a 5-2 after a Ryan Fisher tactical ride as Thorssell's unbeaten run came to an end with a fall.

A pair of 3-3s followed which kept Wolves in control – yet the meeting was turned on its head as the impressive Kenneth Bjerre and Kenni Larsen fended off Fredrik Lindgren to give Peterborough a 5-1 in heat 13.

With just eight points between the sides, the visitors shot from the gate in the penultimate race of the night and appeared set to steal a point.

However, Adam Skornicki and Ludvig Lindgren pushed past reserve Dakota North to pack the minor positions behind Fisher.

A nervy last-heat decider still loomed as Peterborough chased an unlikely point – yet captain Lindgren took a comfortable victory to ensure his side extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.

Despite not enjoying his best evening, Lindgren joined Thorssell at the top of the score chart with 11+1, while Adam Skornicki also continued his excellent form with 10+2.

Tai Woffinden battled through the pain barrier to add 6+1 before his broken collarbone forced him to withdraw after three rides.

Useful contributions from Ricky Wells and Ludvig Lindgren completed a solid all-around display.

A jubilant Thorsell said: "I was gating well all night, and I felt fast in my first few.

"I ended up messing it up in my last three though – I had a few crashes and I don't know what happened.

"It's still my best ever score for Wolves, I think, so I am really happy with that. I'm getting there and getting used to everything in the Elite League.

"I've found it difficult riding in England but I feel like I'm improving all the time and I've started to get results to show it.

"I just need to keep on trying, keep doing the right things and make sure I have a good season.

"I didn't like Wolverhampton's track at first, but now it's one of my favourites. I'm finding new lines and getting pretty fast there now."

WOLVES 51: Freddie Lindgren 11+1, Jacob Thorssell 11+1, Adam Skornicki 10+2, Ricky Wells 7+1, Ludvig Lindgren 6+2, Tai Woffinden 6+1, Ty Proctor R/R.

PETERBOROUGH 43: Kenneth Bjerre 19, Ryan Fisher 11, Kenni Larsen 10+2, Patrick Hougaard 2+1, Dakota North 1, Nicolai Klindt 0, Linus Sundstrom R/R.