Wolves snatch a point in defeat at Poole

But it could have been even better for the league leaders as skipper Tai Woffinden and Adam Skornicki were on a last heat 5-1 to win the match when Darcy Ward crashed.

Angry Wolves fans accused Ward of staying down deliberately – and in the re-run Pirates guest Troy Batchelor typically got the match-winning three points.

It was a cruel end to what was still a superb night for the visitors to add another crucial point to their league tally.

That was despite missing Freddie Lindgren and Ty Proctor through injury and losing Ludvig Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell to the Swedish championships.

In-form Polish ace Skornicki starred with a typically determined display against his former club.

His evening kicked off in perfect fashion with a classy heat three win and he went on to enjoy a fine evening.

The other stand-out performer was young Briton Ashley Birks who put in an excellent display on a guest appearance at reserve.

The 22-year-old was involved in some exciting racing on his way to double figures, including an extremely mature ride to hold off a fast Maciej Janowski in an exciting heat 11.

Fittingly, it was Skornicki and Birks who sealed a point for Wolves with a superb 5-1 in the penultimate race of the night before the last-heat drama.

There were some gutsy performances throughout the side – not least from skipper Tai Woffinden who fought to an important paid 10 despite still suffering with his shoulder injury.

The GP star pulled up after being pushed wide by Batchelor in heat 15, yet he has since reassured supporters about his fitness.

Ricky Wells also put in a solid performance in the middle-order. Wolves will hope for a similar performance tonight as they travel to Wiltshire to take on defending champions Swindon.

Ludvig Lindgren and Thorssell will both return at reserve as Wolves look to extend their lead at the top of the table ahead of the World Cup break.