Speedway Report: Peterborough 50 Sheffield Tigers 40

The hometown hero put in a breathtaking display to go unbeaten from his five rides – but he was powerless to prevent the Tigers from suffering their third successive loss in all competitions.

The Owlerton outfit travelled to the East of England Showground hungry to repeat their outstanding away win over the Panthers in the League Cup exactly a month ago.

They looked set to claim their first Premier League points of the season as they edged into a narrow two point lead after seven heats.

However, the determined hosts came on strong to take victory in a nip-and-tuck encounter and deny Sheffield even a consolation point to show for their efforts.

The visitors got off to a dream start as Stead partnered Dimitri Berge to a 5-1 in the opening race – but his wins in heats 13 and 15 were offset by a devastating Peterborough maximum in the penultimate race which caused them to miss out on a point.

Whilst Stead was on top form, the remaining Tigers riders all endured inconsistent meetings as they ran nine costly last places.

Middle order man Kyle Howarth fought to a solid eight points whilst Jason Garrity battled to a creditable seven at No.5.

However, they recorded only one race win apiece – and with Berge struggling to build on his bright start plus Josh Bates struggling at No.4 they were left up against it.

Key reserve Richard Hall could manage only paid four against his former club, plus youngster Nathan Greaves struggled against a strong Peterborough reserve pairing.

With Danish racer Kenneth Hansen proving an inspired guest for the home side, Sheffield were unable to get back to winning ways after recent defeats at Ipswich and Plymouth.

They will be hoping a return to home shale will prove the tonic they need to kick-start their Premier League campaign as they host title favourites Glasgow at Owlerton in a mouth-watering encounter on Thursdsay (7.30).

PETERBOROUGH 50: Kenneth Hansen 15, Simon Lambert 10+2, Emil Grondal 9+2, Michael Palm Toft 8+1, Ulrich Ostergaard 7+2, Tom Perry 1, Nicklas Porsing r/r.

SHEFFIELD 40: Simon Stead 14+1, Kyle Howarth 8, Jason Garrity 7, Dimitri Berge 5, Richard Hall 4+1, Nathan Greaves 1+1, Josh Bates 1.