BADLY depleted Wolverhampton went agonisingly close to a bonus point at play-off rivals Lakeside on Friday... but eventually went down 49-41.

Club legend Peter Karlsson, currently on loan to Belle Vue, clearly felt at home back in Parrys International Wolves colours and won two races in his 10-point haul.

But the best rider of the night was Great Britain World Cup star Lee Richardson who scored a perfect 15-point maximum to help the Hammers to maximum points.

Aussie ace Ty Proctor was involved in some spectacular racing for the Monmore Green side as he enjoyed one of his best away displays of the season.

But the Hammers had more strength in-depth as Wolves ran out of steam in the last race. In truth, even Hammers fans would admit they deserved a point.

Wolverhampton face title favourites Poole in one of the biggest meetings of the season at Monmore Green on Monday - and key duo Adam Skornicki and Nicolai Klindt are due back from injury to bolster their play-off charge.

LAKESIDE: Lee Richardson 15, Kauko Nieminen 11+1, Adam Shields 8, Jonas Davidsson 7, Stuart Robson 5+1, Chris Neath 2+1, Lubos Tomicek (No.8) 1, Peter Ljung R/R.

WOLVERHAMPTON: Tai Woffinden 12, Peter Karlsson 10, Ty Proctor 7+1, Ludvig Lindgren 6, Ulrich Ostergaard 5+1, Kyle Hughes 1+1, Nicolai Klindt R/R.