Kyle Howarth: Wolverhampton Wolves must leave heartbreak behind us

The black and gold, shorn of Swedish injury victims Freddie Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell, took Swindon all the way to the last race of the second leg at Monmore Green before succumbing by a single point overall, writes Nigel Pearson.

Howarth, who has had a fine season in the top flight and also skippered Sheffield to the Championship crown, must have fancied his chances of a rare double triumph.

But the Robins had the final word amid agonising tension, leaving the Parrys International Wolves to refocus – starting with tonight’s Knockout Cup semi-final second leg at Somerset.

Overall victory there – Wolves defend a 28-point lead from the first leg – would see them through to another clash with Belle Vue, their victims in the play-off semi-finals, on Tuesday at Monmore and the following night at the National Speedway Stadium.

“It wasn’t meant to be,” said Howarth after the Grand Final denouement. “Tough night, Swindon beat us and were better overall altogether.

“We put a good performance on there and they came and put a good performance on here.

“So, that’s what it is. It’s sport. Obviously it’s disappointing to lose on your home track and frustrating to lose Fred and Jacob at this part of the season.

“We missed them dearly. Like I said, Swindon came here and they beat us fair and square. That’s life.

“Regroup, move on. We’ll see what we can do in the Knockout Cup.”

Meanwhile, Tai Woffinden has revealed how he would have been happy to help out Wolverhampton in their injury crisis.

Woffinden won the league title with Wolves in 2009 and again last year when he came back to bolster the Monmore men in August.

And when they lost top two riders Freddie Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell, ‘Woffy’ was ready to step in – but the rules prevented the move.

“I still have a lot of friends at Wolverhampton and I’d have been more than happy to help,” he said. “I know that’s the way it is with the rules, but as a Wolverhampton asset surely that would have looked better rather than a guest from another club?”

Woffinden is finishing his preparations for this weekend’s NICE Torun FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland – the penultimate round of the year. He’s currently in sixth spot in the series – but only eight points away from the bronze medal position. Obviously I had a bad one in Stockholm but I’ve got to forget about that and move on to Torun,” he said.

““I’ll keep fighting for every point.

“I’m not setting myself any targets from here, I’m just going to do what I can to finish as high as I can in the World Championship.

“I like Torun, I’ve got fond memories of winning the title there and I’m looking forward to it.

“I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t have a good night and I’ll go there relaxed and determined at the same time.”