Brummies buzz past Bees

Birmingham bounced back to winning ways in the Sky Sports Elite League with a 50-40 triumph over Midlands rivals Coventry on Monday night.

With some harsh words ringing in their ears from joint-manager Graham Drury following defeats to Peterborough and Poole last week, the Brummies clinched a four-point haul on their travels to hopefully kick-start their season.

The derby tussle went the way of the visitors thanks to a pair of 5-1 results recorded by the dynamic duo of Ben Barker and Danny King.

Chris Harris managed a 13-point haul to provide a high point on an otherwise miserable night for the Bees, one that was made even worse by the loss of Scott Nicholls through injury.

Spectacular crash

"They say that the Manchester United players get the hair-dryer treatment off Sir Alex Ferguson. Rest assured, my lads got much, much more than that."
Graham Drury Quotes of the week

Nicholls suffered a suspected broken collarbone after a spectacular crash in the 13th heat, the British rider being thrown over his handlebars and into the air fence following a tangle with Bjarne Pedersen.

He was already excluded from the re-run by the time he eventually made his way from the track gingerly holding his left arm, allowing Pedersen and Seb Ulamek to record a 5-1 result that clinched victory for Birmingham.

Drury was delighted with his side's display after admitting he felt the need to administer a serious tongue-lashing to each and every member of his squad after the home loss to the Pirates last Thursday.

"They say that the Manchester United players get the hair-dryer treatment off Sir Alex Ferguson. Rest assured, my lads got much, much more than that," he told Sky Sports.

"I ripped into them individually and collectively. I said the performance (against Poole) was not acceptable to the supporters and management of Birmingham speedway.

"I think it's hard the desired effect."

All-round effort

Skipper King, who contributed seven points, paid tribute to a fine all-round effort from his troops, helping push them back towards the play-off places.

"That stern talking to obviously worked," he admitted. "Everyone did their bit tonight. We all had a bad ride here or there, but we all pulled together."

The result ended a run of three straight home wins for the Bees, who had been ahead 19-17 after six heats before Barker and King combined for the first time on the night to give Birmingham a lead they would not surrender again.

"It was not the night we wanted," said Harris, who won his final two rides, including the 15th heat. "We knew it was going to be tough.

"It's a double blow too, as Scott is going to be out for a while with his collarbone. It's not looking good at the minute."

Elsewhere on Monday night, Wolverhampton enjoyed a comfortable 57-35 win over Peterborough Panthers at Monmore Green.

A good crowd gave Swedish Grand Prix winner Freddie Lindgren and club legend Peter Karlsson, who returned to Monmore as a guest for the injured Tai Woffinden, a great reception.

Lindgren was in unstoppable form with 12+3 from five outings but reserve Ricky Wells stole the show with a stunning 18+2 score.

Boss Peter Adams said: "Ricky was awesome and I have to say he is one of the best Elite League reserves right now.

"It was great to see a big crowd and nice to welcome back PK, he enjoyed it and we enjoyed having him back with us for the night.

"Freddie was unstoppable and if we had raced until midnight I don't think anyone would have beaten him, that was the kind of mood he was in after his win at the weekend."

Miserable Aces

Belle Vue's miserable season continued as they suffered their heaviest ever defeat at Kirkmanshulme Lane as they went down 60-33 to Swindon Robins.

The Robins were in excellent form with all of the seven riders making significant contributions.

Troy Batchelor had one of his best nights of the season so far leading the scores with a 12+1 and there was excellent back-up from Hans Andersen (11+1) and Peter Kildemand (10+1).

Soon after the meeting, Belle Vue confirmed they would be looking to make changes to their side.

Team manager Jim Lynch said: "The new averages will show how much the team has deteriorated since the start of the season.

"We will make one signing, and perhaps more than that.We have got to get a team that can win at home for a start."