SHEFFIELD suffered last heat heartache as they went down 46-44 at rivals Scunthorpe.
Tigers made a solid start to the fixture, with their improvement in gating a big contributing factor.
And with 12 Heats gone, the Sheffield Window Centre side led by eight points.
But the hosts were able to secure two 5-1 maximums and a 4-2 in the final three races as Tigers were forced to settle for a single consolation point.
Team boss Simon Stead said: “To be leading all the way from the very first race to then lose out in a last heat decider is gutting to be honest.
“We really did deliver in certain areas of the team but the one place we probably did suffer was in the heat-leader department.
“But it’s rare it happens like that and we can’t complain too much.
“The boys rode with so much heart tonight and it really has been so much of a happier camp in recent weeks.
“We really are gutted we couldn’t just get over the line with a victory for the many supporters who came to cheer us on - but hopefully Kyle (Howarth) and Charles (Wright) can put a smile on their faces on Sunday and fingers crossed we can go to Redcar next week and end on a high to take us into the winter.”
Recent additions Kasper Andersen and Connor Mountain, along with popular Australian Todd Kurtz were all paid for double figures while American youngster Broc Nicol again showed glimpses of his potential at reserve.
Top duo Wright and Howarth endured two tougher nights, but will be determined to put things right in the season finale at Owlerton on Sunday as Sheffield stage the 2018 Great Britain Championship Riders’ Individual.
SCUNTHORPE 46: Jake Allen 15+1, Josh Auty 14, Jason Garrity 8+1, Steve Worrall 6+1, Gino Manzares 3, Danny Phillips 0, Stefan Nielsen r/r.
