SHEFFIELD snatched a crucial victory in dramatic circumstances as a last heat decider saw them edge a 46-44 win over Redcar at Owlerton.
Knowing nothing less than a win would keep their League Cup campaign alive, the gutsy Tigers left it late - taking the lead for the first time when the night drew to a close thanks to heat 15 heroics from Simon Stead and Leigh Lanham.
After playing catch-up for much of the meeting, the hosts eventually edged a tense encounter.
Team boss Joe Screen was relieved to see his side get back to winning ways after two consecutive defeats - yet he admitted his side still need to improve.
Said Screen: "With the way we started off I thought it might be a long night, so we're really pleased to have been able to snatch the win in heat 15 like we did.
"Although I'm happy we won it wasn't the greatest performance, and we still have issues as a team that we need to address pretty soon."
After recovering from a slow start, skipper Simon Stead came on strong to help lead the a Tigers revival - backed up brilliantly by veteran middle order man Leigh Lanham.
Newly crowned British Under 21 Champion Josh Bates and experienced reserve partner Andre Compton formed a potent lower order as both put in impressive displays.
Adam Roynon also enjoyed a solid night - and although Simon Nielsen and Taylor Poole both endured forgettable evenings the Tigers scrapped a nervy win.
Sheffield will now travel to Teeside for the return leg tomorrow knowing a win by seven points or more will see them finish above Redcar in their League Cup group.
Sheffield 46: Simon Stead 12, Leigh Lanham 10, Andre Compton 9, Josh Bates 7+1, Adam Roynon 6, Taylor Poole 2, Simon Nielsen 0.
Redcar 44: Richard Lawson 11, Aaron Summers 9+1, Carl Wilkinson 8+1, Jan Graversen 7+1, Hugh Skidmore 7+1, Rafal Konopka 2+1, Luke Crang 0.
