Wolves pip Elite League champions Swindon

And it was a returning club legend who played his part along with the current golden boy in a last-gasp victory yesterday evening.

It plundered two precious points for Wolves against the reigning champions to keep them top of the Elite League table.

Veteran Peter Karlsson and star man Tai Woffinden combined for a memorable heat 15 5-1 to ensure Wolves snatched victory from the jaws of defeat following a scintillating night of action.

Neither Woffinden nor guesting No 1 Karlsson enjoyed their finest evenings as both suffered mixed fortunes.

But the duo did the business when it mattered as they stormed underneath Robins skipper Hans Andersen on the opening lap to take a match-winning maximum.

It proved the final twist in what was a rollercoaster evening. Having raced into an eight-point lead within the opening seven races, Wolves looked set for a comfortable victory.

Yet a problem with the starting tapes caused a lengthy delay and seemingly disrupted the rhythm of the hosts.

Swindon hit back with two 5-1s in the next two outings to draw level, before a further heat advantage completed an unlikely comeback as they took a shock lead.

With the momentum firmly in favour of the visitors, Wolves were handed a slice of good fortune.

Robins' reserve Ashley Birks hit the deck in heat 12 while set to lead home a 5-1 which would have given his side a six point lead.

Yet his untimely mistake left the meeting still hanging in the balance heading into the last heat decider where Woffinden and Karlsson took the glory.

Despite Woffinden and Karlsson taking the plaudits, it was reserve Jacob Thorssell who was arguably the star man for Wolves.

The Swedish starlet continued his fine form with another excellent display. The 19-year-old ended as top scorer on 11+2 having scored in every outing and bagged two race wins in his opening two rides.

His reserve partner Ludvig Lindgren also put in another solid display – joining Thorssell for a crucial heat two maximum and ending with five vital points as Wolves comfortably won the battle of the reserve.

Middle order duo Adam Skornicki and Ricky Wells also posted solid returns to complete a strong all-around team performance, as they edged victory by the narrowest of margins.

Wolverhampton will be back in action against local rivals Coventry at Monmore Green next Monday as they aim to hold on to their position at the summit of the Elite League table.

Wolverhampton 46: Jacob Thorssell 11+2, Tai Woffinden 10+1, Peter Karlsson 9+1, Adam Skornicki 6+2, Ludvig Lindgren 5, Ricky Wells 5, Ty Proctor R-R.

Swindon 44: Peter Kildemand 10, Hans Andersen 10, Nick Morris 9, Troy Batchelor 6+1, Edward Kennett 5+1, Ashley Birks 4, Kyle Howarth 0.

By Rich Jones