PETERBOROUGH endured another tough night in a 59-31 defeat at Wolverhampton.
It was a fourth straight defeat for the injury hit Crendon Panthers who were restricted to just four race winners and who failed to register a single heat advantage in the West Midlands.
They faced an uphill struggle after falling 12-points behind after just six races with stand-in skipper Scott Nicholls interrupting the hosts’ run when the took the chequered flag in Heat Three.
It was Nicholls who again stopped Wolves’ progression after getting the better of Sam Masters to take the seventh while guest reserve Lewis Kerr recovered from a tricky start to win Heat Eight.
A bumper 16-points behind, Nicholls was unable to make an impact alongside guest No.1 Chris Harris as a tactical substitute and Wolves marched on with Charles Wright the only other Panthers race winner in the penultimate heat.
Nicholls admitted it was a disappointing night and says they were simply beaten by the better side.
“We came here thinking we could get something but it just didn’t happen,” Nicholls said.
“Wolves is a tight, technical track and some of our boys struggle here sadly.
“The Wolves boys rode really well and they fully deserved their win.”
Panthers now head to King’s Lynn on Thursday (July, 25, 7.30).
WOLVERHAMPTON 59: Jacob Thorssell 12, Sam Masters 11+1, Kyle Howarth 8+2, Ryan Douglas 8+1, Rory Schlein 7, Luke Becker 7, Nick Morris 6+4. PETERBOROUGH 31: Scott Nicholls 12, Rohan Tungate 5, Charles Wright 4+1, Lewis Kerr 3, Ty Proctor 3, Chris Harris 2, Aaron Summers 2.