“WE must now hope that Lakeside end the season on top of the Elite League table”, said Ipswich Evening Star Witches promoter John Louis today.This was an admission from the Witches boss the home defeat last night by Lakeside Hammers ruled out any serious chance of a top three finish.

Elvin King

“WE must now hope that Lakeside end the season on top of the Elite League table”, said Ipswich Evening Star Witches promoter John Louis today.

This was an admission from the Witches boss the home defeat last night by Lakeside Hammers ruled out any serious chance of a top three finish.

And if so fourth-placed Ipswich would ride away to the side that was top on the cut-off date of September 25 in the play-off semi-final.

“We would prefer to go to Lakeside, rather than be on in with a chance of a hammering at Poole,” added Louis.

“It is nearer and our fans can make an impact for us.

“Last night we were depleted and Lakeside were depleted. But they had Kauko Nieminen and we didn't.

“He could have seven rides, and he made it count.”

Talking about the vital absence of Jarek Hampel and Robert Miskowiak last night, Louis said: “Jarek has been riding under the weather for a while and it got to him. I was rough with a similar bug a few weeks ago and know how bad he is feeling.

“And there was nothing we could do about the situation with Robert, and could only bring in a six point Premier League rider as he was not injured or ill.”

Tobi Kroner is having x-rays to determine whether he has broken two fingers in his left hand. If so he could miss the rest of the season after a crash at Foxhall last night.

There are thoughts that he might need an operation but it may have to wait to confirm until the swelling goes down.

Rory Schlein, signed from Coventry to give the Witches an end of season boost, said: “We are making life difficult for ourselves. The plan was to ease ourselves into the play-offs, but there is still a long way to go.”

And Piotr Swiderski, showing the grit missing in others, said: “My leg is swollen after my crash last week and there is pain. But I can ride through it.

“We only had half a team last night and it was tough, but we shall keep going.”

Prices for the double header at Foxhall Stadium against Poole and Coventry on September 25 will be £22 for adults and £18 for concessions. With rain-off tickets from last week they will be £7 and £6 respectively - with the first race starting at 7.15pm sharp.