SHEFFIELD saw their injury troubles return on a difficult night at Glasgow as they went down 51-37 in their League Cup semi-final first leg at Ashfield.

After a bright start, disaster struck for the Window Centre Tigers as they lost Ashley Birks and David Bellego in quick succession following crashes in heats five and seven respectively.

Despite being reduced to just five riders, Jack Lee’s side fought valiantly to keep their chances of progression alive heading into the second leg at Owlerton on July 16.

Reserve duo Josh Bates and Arthur Sissis both impressed with battling displays to keep their side in contention, whilst Josh Grajczonek added nine vital points as he guested in the No.1 spot.

Co-promoter Damien Bates was full of praise for the determination of Bates and Sissis in the lower order as they accounted for more than half of the visitors’ points with both Jason Garrity and Andre Compton struggling with tricky track conditions.

He also confirmed positive news with regards to David Bellego – but he revealed Ashley Birks is set for a spell on the sidelines as he awaits a full diagnosis at hospital.

Said Bates: “It was a good job we had our reserves tonight, and we have to give full credit to Josh and Arthur both of whom did an excellent job after we lost Ash and David early on.

“Unfortunately Ash is in hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder and suspected broken collarbone, and we obviously wish him well.

“David Bellego is OK, he is a bit sore and dizzy but appears to have escaped without any serious injuries.”

The Tigers will now have a chance to regroup after a bruising encounter before returning to Premier League action against Berwick at Owlerton next Thursday, July 9 (7.30).

GLASGOW 51: Richard Lawson 16+1, Aaron Summers 13+1, James Sarjeant 7+1, Victor Palovaara 7+1, Dimitri Berge 5+1, Nick Morris 3, David Howe r/r.

SHEFFIELD 37: Josh Bates 11+2, Arthur Sissis 9+1, Josh Grajczonek 9, Jason Garrity 3, Andre Compton 3, Ashley Birks 1+1, David Bellego 1.