Wolves see off Belle Vue in a thriller

The flying Pole – the signing of the season – was again in scintillating form as the Monmore men bounced back to winning ways.

Yet they were again left frustrated as they narrowly missed out on all three league points.

It was a bittersweet night for Peter Adams' men as they recovered from last week's defeat against Coventry only to see their play-off hopes take another dent by more dropped points on home shale.

Pawlicki, returning from a shoulder problem which caused him to miss the Coventry match, displayed impeccable team riding to strike a big 5-1 with Jacob Thorssell in heat three as Wolves made a strong start.

He then surged around seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls to extend their lead to 10 after just five races. A tactical ride win for Aces' No.1 Matej Zagar reduced the deficit.

But Wolves reserves Tom Perry and Joe Jacobs fended off their Belle Vue counterparts to strike a crucial 5-1 and put the hosts 11 clear entering the closing stages.

A fall for Ty Proctor saw the visitors produce a maximum of their own, although Pawlicki then snatched second from Craig Cook on the run to the line and limit the damage.

However, he still entered heat 15 alongside Thorssell needing a 5-1 to claim all three points.

A fast start from Zagar left Pawlicki with work to do and he could manage only second with his partner last.

Captain Tai Woffinden, suffering badly from fatigue, could manage only four points.

Wolves: Piotr Pawlicki 13, Ricky Wells 9+1, Jacob Thorssell 6+2, Joe Jacobs 6+1, Ty Proctor 5+1, Tom Perry 5+1, Tai Woffinden 4.

Belle Vue: Matej Zagar 17, Scott Nicholls 10, Stefan Nielsen 6, Richie Worrall 5, Michael Palm Toft 4+1, Craig Cook 3+1, Lee Payne 0.

By Rich Jones