SHEFFIELD were unable to add to their Championship points tally as they slipped to a 50-40 defeat at Berwick.

While captain Kyle Howarth, who dropped just one point from five rides, and Danish ace Lasse Bjerre continued their own individual fine form, they didn't receive sufficient back-up from their team mates as they fell to a second successive loss on the road.

But Window Centre Tigers co-promoter Peter Mole pinpointed the absence of No.1 Josh Grajczonek as a major factor in their latest defeat and insists there is no need to panic.

"I think we definitely missed Josh for sure with him riding in the Premiership Riders' Championship in Manchester and despite Steve Worrall's best efforts, he was unfortunately unable to score the points everyone knows he is capable of," Mole said.

"I thought Kyle was excellent once again as was Lasse and it was good to see Josh Bates back from injury too.

"We had a few engine problems tonight and that hampered our scoring power, at reserve in particular, unfortunately.

"So we need to make sure that is rectified quickly in time for our next meeting on Monday.

"We can't take anything away from Berwick though; they've come into a bit of form late on in the season and this was their last home fixture of the year which they were desperate to win and full credit to them.

"There's no need to panic though; we've booked our place in the play-offs already, we're assured of top spot too and we just need to get a fully fit side back in time for the business part of the year."

The Tigers are back in action at Owlerton on Monday when Redcar are the visitors (7.45).

BERWICK 50: Kevin Doolan 13, Dany Gappmaier 10+1, Ryan Douglas 8+3, David Howe 8, Ashley Morris 7+3, Alfie Bowtell 4+3, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen R/R.

SHEFFIELD 40: Kyle Howarth 14, Lasse Bjerre 12, Josh Bates 5+1, Steve Worrall 5, Jan Graversen 2+1, Georgie Wood 2, Todd Kurtz R/R.