Wolves keep pace with Elite League derby rivals

Peter Adams' men went within one race point of the summit after this handsome derby victory, achieved while the Brummies were going down by 10 points at Eastbourne.

Wolves are in a great position to ensure their place in the play-offs sooner rather than later alongside the Brummies and reigning champions Swindon.

Lakeside, Poole – including Cradley legend Greg Hancock – and King's Lynn look set to battle it out for the final place.

In-form reserve Jacob Thorssell helped Wolves establish an early lead as he was involved in 5-1s in heats four and six to give his side a 10-point advantage.

Coventry threatened to hit back with the tactical ride brought into play. But Michal Szczepaniak trailed at the back while wearing black and white in heat eight.

Adam Skornicki held off Scott Nicholls brilliantly as he went for double in the next race.

With the Bees in need of a late surge to keep alive any hopes of a point, Wolves stifled their challenge to bag four heat advantages in the final five races.

Tai Woffinden was back to his brilliant best, suffering just one defeat in five outings.

Popular Pole Skornicki notched three vital race wins, while his middle-order partner Ricky Wells looked to have plenty of speed as he put in a good performance.

Yet it was at reserve where the Monmore men starred, Swedish duo Ludvig Lindgren and Thorssell stealing the spotlight with determined displays.

Captain Freddie Lindgren made a welcome return, but was clearly still struggling with his arm injury.

Wolves now face a week-long break before three vital away meetings in five days against Belle Vue, Birmingham and Coventry.

Wolves 55: Tai Woffinden 12+1, Adam Skornicki 12+1, Jacob Thorssell 9+2, Ricky Wells 9, Ludvig Lindgren 8+1, Freddie Lindgren 5+2.

Coventry 37: Stuart Robson 11, Aaron Summers 9+1, Scott Nicholls 7, Krzysztof Kasprzak 5, Michal Szczepaniak 3, Grzegorz Zengota 2+1, Adam Roynon 0.

By Rich Jones