WOLVERHAMPTON will have to overturn a narrow 46-44 deficit when they head to Birmingham next Monday in the race for the Elite League Grand Final.

In a tough, gruelling local derby in front of a packed Monmore crowd, Birmingham had some fine all-round strength as Parrys International Wolves clearly missed injured duo Tai Woffinden and Jacob Thorssell.

Freddie Lindgren was spectacular with his 13+1 haul and Adam Skornicki worked hard for his 9-points.

But after a night of spectacular racing and high drama there was a sour note when guest rider Niels-Kristian Iversen was sent crashing to the ground after a collision with Birmingham man Chris Harris and sustained a suspected hip injury.

And in the re-run Freddie Lindgren got the edge over Jason Doyle "“ but there was tension in the pits between representatives of the two sides immediately afterwards.

Wolverhampton boss Peter Adams said: "This type of performance from Birmingham doesn't surprise me because they haven't finished top of the league for no reason.

"They are a very, very hard team to beat and full credit to them although we didn't help ourselves at times.

"It's fair to say we missed Woffinden badly although, of course, we thank Niels for standing in and hope he's not seriously hurt.

"Now we will go to Birmingham with no pressure on us and try and see what we can do next Monday."

WOLVERHAMPTON 44: Fredrik Lindgren 13+1, Adam Skornicki 9, Ricky Wells 6, Nicolai Klindt 6, Niels-Kristian Iversen 5+1, Ludvig Lindgren 4+2, Robert Miskowiak 1.
BIRMINGHAM 46: Jason Doyle 12, Chris Harris 11, Ben Barker 9, Andrew Tully 6+2, Danny King 4, Martin Smolinski 3+2, Nico Covatti 1.