SHEFFIELD WINDOW CENTRE TIGERS boss David Hoggart hailed young reserve Facundo Albin as the Argentine inspired Sheffield to a win over bottom club Glasgow.
Albin enjoyed his best night in British speedway as he weighed in with paid-12 points as the Tigers produced one of their best performances of the season.
Missing Simon Stead and Damien Koppe through injury, and rocked by the news of Joe Haines’ retirement earlier in the week, Sheffield rallied together to come from behind in an entertaining meeting.
Albin played a big part in that and it was he who secured maximum points in heat 14, and team manager Hoggart was delighted to see his young charge in the points: "We placed a lot of faith in Facu at the start of the season and tonight we saw why, he was terrific.
“He’s had a few knocks but he’s never given up, he’s an absolute trier and he got his reward. Even when he drew a last, he was on the back wheel of the guy in front and he deserved all of his points, it’s an absolute dream to see him get his first double-points haul.”
Albin received brilliant back-up from his team-mates and again the Tigers were thankful to guest Richard Lawson, whose contribution over recent weeks has been outstanding.
He scored eleven, paid 12 and that was matched by in-form Ricky Wells. Andre Compton has had a difficult time since his reintroduction into the Tigers side but Hoggart described his performance as “vintage Compton” as he notched paid-11, while Adam Roynon battled through a twisted knee to drop just two points from four rides.
It was an excellent night all round for Sheffield, and Hoggart was pleased to see contributions right the way through his side.
He said: “We rode brilliantly, Glasgow made us work very hard but we deserved the win. Everything about the night was extremely positive, and we want to express our thanks to Robert Branford too who took the booking at very late notice. He tried his heart out for us and gave it everything.”
The Tigers are in action again on Friday, where they travel to Scotland to face league favourites Edinburgh.
