Panthers win but Allen suffers nasty rib injury

SPEEDWAY: Panthers are sweating over the fitness of Olly Allen after he crashed out of last night’s fine Elite League triumph over Birmingham.

Allen withdrew with rib injuries after coming to grief in his opening ride early in a 51-42 success at the East of England Showground.

He was due to undergo hospital checks after returning to his Norfolk base and rates as a major doubt for tough away trips to reigning champions Poole tomorrow and Swindon on Thursday.

Joint team bosstrevor Swales said: “Olly took a very nasty fall and was in a lot of discomfort.

“There is no way he could have continued and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that it is just bad bruising. He’s certainly a doubt for the Poole and Swindon meetings though.”

Panthers overcame his loss to seal victory with a hat-trick of 5-1s in the final three races last night when skipper Kenneth Bjerre, Linus Sundstrom and reserve Richard Lawson all shone.

Panthers were without reserve Jesper B. Monberg who was sacked and then re-hired after planned team changes were scrapped during a chaotic day.

Full story and report: page 46