Late drama as referee robs Panthers of a draw

Panthers were robbed of a drawinameetingtheyshould have won but actually lost.

That was the somewhat confusing outcome for the city club following a Sunday battle at Newcastle in which one controversial refereeing decision and two poor performances cost them dear.

Under normal circumstances Panthers would have been chuffed to pocket a consolation league point after being 10 points adrift after 10 races at the tricky Brough Park.

But, having slashed those arrears to four points ahead of the finale, they appeared to be on course for an unlikely draw when guest Paul Starke charged into second place behind top scorer Scott Nicholls to sit on a 5-1 in heat 15.

But a split-second later Panthers’ delight turned to dismay. Newcastle man Stuart Robson hit the deck after being passed and, despite there being no contact, referee Stuart Wilson issued an exclusion to Starke.

Nicholls completed a 14+1 haul with a smooth success in the re-run but it did little to improve the mood of the Panthers management.

They were left to reflect on the fact that two riders – captain Simon Lambert and reserve Emil Grondal – failing to score was another big difference between coming up short or claiming another away win.

Bradley Wilson-Dean also struggled until claiming a valuable heat 12 victory with Starke and Michael Palm Toft, who was riding through the pain of an ankle knock, providing excellent support for Nicholls.