TEAM boss Simon Stead offered an apology to Sheffield supporters after a disappointing 53-37 defeat at Berwick.

The Window Centre Tigers got off to a sluggish start and were unable to recover as they left empty handed following a frustrating evening.

They were simply not sharp enough from the gate and were second best throughout.

The result leaves them still on the lookout for their first Championship win of the campaign - and Stead admitted they must do better.

“On behalf of the club and the riders I just want to apologise to the supporters, because we’re just not good enough at the moment,” said Stead.

“Especially the fans who are travelling to watch us away from home, the performances have been poor and tonight was another disappointing one.

“For whatever reason, things just aren’t going our way at the moment and we’ve got to keep striving to do everything we can to improve.

“It’s still early days in the season, and we’ll continue to look at whether changes need to be made.

“In the meantime, we’ll focus on our home meeting on Thursday and looking to give our fans the sort of performance and result they deserve.”

Todd Kurtz, Lasse Bjerre and Kyle Howarth recorded the Tigers’ three race wins, and Charles Wright also put in a battling display for paid double figures.

But James Shanes, Jan Graversen and guest Joe Lawlor all struggled to make an impact as the visitors ran 10 last places.

They will go in search of their first win of their title defence as they host Workington at Owlerton on Thursday (7.30).

BERWICK 53: David Howe 15, Jye Etheridge 14+1, Kevin Doolan 9+1, Aaron Summers 8, Dany Gappmaier 5+1, Nathan Greaves 2+1, Nikolaj B Jakobsen r/r.
SHEFFIELD 37: Kyle Howarth 9+2, Charles Wright 9+1, Todd Kurtz 8+1, Lasse Bjerre 7, James Shanes 3+1, Jan Graversen 1, Joe Lawlor 1.