SHEFFIELD slipped to a 51-39 defeat against Somerset in a meeting overshadowed by a horror crash for fans' favourite Andre Compton.

The Tigers are awaiting an update on the popular 37 year old after he fell heavily on the final bend of heat 14 after suffering a bike problem.

It was a disappointing night for Joe Screen's men overshadowed by an unfortunate incident - and Screen has sent his well wishes to Compton as they hope for good news.

He said: "Seeing Andre crash like that was not a nice way to end the meeting. We just hope he is going to be OK and hasn't done anything too serious.

"It's injuries again - we are so unlucky at the moment and our luck seems to have run out again.

"We are just thinking of Andre at the moment and we have our fingers crossed he'll be OK."

Sheffield had already been hit by their injury problems earlier in the evening as they slipped to a frustrating loss.

Ty Proctor (thigh) and Leigh Lanham (back) both struggled as they returned from injury, with flying reserve Taylor Poole replacing them in their final rides.

Aussie ace Poole enjoyed a busy evening, bagging a stunning 16+1 point haul from seven rides with a spectacular performance.

Compton had also been in flying form early on with wins in his opening two rides whilst Richard Lawson battled hard to notch 8+1 as he guested for Simon Stead at No.1.

However, it was not enough to help the Tigers edge victory as Ben Wilson and Josh Bates both struggled despite determined efforts.

They will travel to Somerset for the return fixture tomorrow night with an update on team news as soon as possible as Sheffield await news on the injury problems.

PREMIER LEAGUE
SHEFFIELD 39: Taylor Poole 16+1, Richard Lawson 8+1, Andre Compton 8, Ben Wilson 3, Leigh Lanham 2+1, Ty Proctor 2, Josh Bates 0
SOMERSET 51: Brady Kurtz 13, Nick Morris 9+1, Oliver Allen 9, Charles Wright 6+2, Paul Starke 6+1, Pontus Aspgren 5+1, Todd Kurtz 3+1
Premier League points: Sheffield 0 Somerset 4