SHEFFIELD slipped to their third successive defeat as they went down 50-40 in a tense encounter with Peterborough at the East of England Showground.
The Window Centre Tigers held a slender lead after seven heats before the Panthers pulled clear in the closing stages to deny them a consolation point.
It was a disappointing result for the Owlerton outfit as they remain on the lookout for their first Premier League points of the season.
Joint team manager Marc Bates admitted they were frustrated to leave with nothing to show for their efforts after a fiercely-contested clash.
Bates said: “We were frustrated not to get at least a point because we held it tight until about heat 10, but they just pulled away towards the end and never looked back.
“They are a solid side and we always knew it was going to be tough, but that’s three defeats on the bounce now so obviously we are very disappointed.
“A few riders need to take a look at themselves because we know we can do better than this, but we just have to try to bounce back at home against Glasgow on Thursday.”
Skipper Simon Stead led by example with a stunning, five-ride paid maximum for the Tigers, whilst fellow heat-leaders Kyle Howarth and Jason Garrity put in creditable displays.
Dimitri Berge raced to an impressive win in heat one to help the visitors get off to a dream start – but Josh Bates endured a meeting to forget as he battled through the pain barrier with an arm injury following a crash in his opening ride.
With reserve duo Richard Hall and Nathan Greaves also struggling to make an impression, plus Kenneth Hansen proving an inspired choice of guest for the Panthers, they were unable to earn a point to show for their efforts.
The Tigers will now aim to get back to winning ways as they return to home shale against a strong Glasgow side at Owlerton on Thursday (7.30).
PETERBOROUGH 50: Kenneth Hansen 15, Simon Lambert 10+2, Emil Grondal 9+2, Michael Palm Toft 8+1, Ulrich Ostergaard 7+2, Tom Perry 1, Nicklas Porsing r/r.
SHEFFIELD 40: Simon Stead 14+1, Kyle Howarth 8, Jason Garrity 7, Dimitri Berge 5, Richard Hall 4+1, Nathan Greaves 1+1, Josh Bates 1.
