Ford wants Pirates to 'start faster' after defeat at Ipswich

Danny Ford has called on his No1 Carpet Cleaning Poole Pirates to get out of the blocks faster after a disappointing 52-38 Supporters’ Cup defeat at Ipswich.

The Pirates found themselves 27-9 behind after just six heats at Foxhall, with Richard Lawson, Cameron Heeps, Jake Allen, David Bellego and Chris Harris all securing race wins for the Witches.

Having found themselves adrift so early in the clash, the Pirates rallied as they had done at Belle Vue earlier this month, outscoring the home side 20-6 over the final six heats.

But by then it was too little, too late.

Ford said: “It was another Belle Vue meeting really, only this time we didn’t get anything out of it.

“The boys know they need to get out of the blocks faster in these meetings. If you fall behind early on, especially away from home, it’s a mountain to climb to get back in it.

“I remain confident that we’ll come good and find some real consistency at home and away, but clearly we can’t have too many results like this one.”

Pirates manager Neil Middleditch was unable to attend at Foxhall due to a family issue and despite Somerset’s Garry May taking the reins, Ford believes Middleditch’s absence may have affected his class of 2019.

Ford added: “It’s hard to underestimate what a positive affect Middlo has on the team when he’s in the pits. 

“He makes such a difference when the chips are down and can really get the boys going. 

“We’re hugely grateful to Garry for stepping in, but as with the riders, a successful team needs that continuity and we look forward to welcoming Middlo back into the fold.”

Pirates captain Josh Grajczonek continued his fine recent form by top-scoring for the visitors with 11+1 while Scott Nicholls added to his tally as a Pirates guest by bagging 9+1.

Any hopes the Pirates had of progressing from the Supporters Cup south group now appear to be over, with Ford’s men needing to take maximum points off King’s Lynn home and away in their remaining two fixtures.

Full report and heat details of the clash at Foxhall here.