Remarkable comeback delights Ford

Danny Ford hailed his Pirates riders for a memorable play-offs comeback before backing them to be quicker out of the blocks at Ipswich on Saturday.

Ford saw his septet fall 12 points behind after eight heats of last night’s play-off semi-final against the Witches at Wimborne Road, the visitors storming into a 30-18 advantage.

But the Pirates rallied to run in an incredible six 5-1s in seven races to win 50-40 and take a 10-point lead to Foxhall for Saturday’s second leg.

Ford said: “I have to admit it was looking pretty bleak after eight races, but one thing you can always guarantee with us is that we never know when we’re beaten – particularly at home.

“It was a fantastic comeback – one of the best in the play-offs that I can remember – and it will give us massive confidence going into the second leg on Saturday.

“But we’ll need to start quicker than we did last night, because Ipswich really showed us what they’re capable of in those early heats, and I’m fully confident the boys will do exactly that.

“Ten points is a good lead, but they will be fired up at home so I know the riders will be desperate for a fast start so we can put the meeting to bed quickly.”

Thomas H Jonasson turned in a stunning performance from reserve, bagging paid 11 – his best return since rejoining the Pirates earlier this season.

Ford added: “We always knew bringing Thomas back in was the right thing to do. He’s a superb racer and relishes nights like last night.

“He really showed what he’s capable of and he’ll continue to be a hugely valuable asset for us.”

The Pirates succumbed to two maximum heat advantages in the opening four races as the Witches started superbly in front of the BT Sport cameras.

And once Richard Lawson and Chris Harris had secured a third 5-1 in race seven, coupled with a 4-2 in the next heat, the Pirates were left with a mountain to climb.

Nicolai Klindt and Josh Grajczonek, though, fought back brilliantly in race nine for a 5-1 that reduced the deficit to eight points, before six 5-1s between heats 11 and 15 turned the tide firmly in the home side’s favour.

As well as Brady Kurtz’s 12-point return and Jonasson’s dominance, Grajczonek finished the night with paid nine, while Jack Holder (9+2) and Nicolai Klindt (7+1) also played their part alongside Nico Covatti (5).

Read the full report from last night here.