WOLVERHAMPTON went down fighting before eventually suffering a 53-39 defeat against Lakeside.

With Tai Woffinden and Ty Proctor both ruled out through injury plus Ricky Wells riding for Premier League club Sheffield, Parrys International Wolves took a severely depleted side to the Arena-Essex Raceway.

Yet at the halfway stage they were just two points behind and looked right in contention to take at least a point.

However, their in-form opponents finished strongly to take all three points and leave the Monmore men returning to the Midlands empty-handed.

Skipper Fredrik Lindgren scored an excellent 15 points to lead from the front whilst Adam Skornicki continued his strong form with an 11 point haul.

Jacob Thorssell and Ludvig Lindgren both made useful contributions at reserve – but Alex Davies struggled to make an impact from the No.2 position whilst fellow guest Ryan Fisher was forced to withdraw from his final ride after suffering a foot injury.

But overall, team boss Peter Adams was encouraged by his sides’ performance.

“I think on tonight’s evidence we would have given Lakeside a run for their money had we gone there with our full side.

“Pretty much all of our points came from our own four riders, and we were all very encouraged by the performance although we came home empty-handed.

“It’s always unfortunate when a rider gets injured whilst guesting for another team, and we sympathise with Peterborough after Ryan Fisher suffered what looks like a broken foot whilst stepping in for us this evening.”

LAKESIDE 53: Piotr Swiderski 12+1, Peter Karlsson 9+2, Davey Watt 8+1, Lewis Bridger 7+1, Sebastian Ulamek 7+1, Kevin Doolan 5+2, Tyson Nelson 5.

WOLVERHAMPTON 39: Freddie Lindgren 15, Adam Skornicki 11, Jacob Thorsell 6, Ludvig Lindgren 5+1, Ryan Fisher 2, Alex Davies 0, Ricky Wells R/R.