IPSWICH Evening Star Witches manager Pete Simmons has done much this season to try to generate team spirit in the pits among his riders this season.Many times it has worked, but last night Simmons, like the rest of the Ipswich management felt badly let down as the Suffolk side, in front of a live television audience, slumped 59-33 at Poole to crash out of the Elite League play-offs.

Mike Bacon

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches manager Pete Simmons has done much this season to try to generate team spirit in the pits among his riders this season.

Many times it has worked, but last night Simmons, like the rest of the Ipswich management felt badly let down as the Suffolk side, in front of a live television audience, slumped 59-33 at Poole to crash out of the Elite League play-offs.

“We had too many riders not at the races,” Simmons said.

“It's no secret we would have rather gone to Lakeside, but we were here and I think most people expected better than we produced.

“Robert (Miskowiak) had three lasts and didn't seem interested, but it was a poor show throughout.

“The track was slick and we couldn't get off the starts. To get into the top four was great, but to then ride like this in the semi-final was disappointing to say the least.”

Witches star Steve Johnston said: “Before we came we knew it was going to be difficult but we had to stay positive throughout.

“It's difficult when you are the away team to come and do a job in the semi-final, but the team was inconsistent and that did not help.

“Our inconsistency was simply not good enough and it has caught up with us tonight which is a pity because when we have all been on form together we have been so good.

“We have had a decent season, but have been messed up with a rubbish fixture list which has seen us have weeks off at a time. It hasn't been good enough.

“I'll put my money on Poole winning the League now against Lakeside.”

And Poole's GP star Bjarne Pedersen commented: “I'm surprised we have turned Ipswich over so easily.

“They are a good team and had a good 1-6 here tonight. I expected much harder races.

“The final against Lakeside will be tough, but we are the two teams that finished first and second, so it is perhaps the best final.”