SHEFFIELD pulled off a stunning comeback to snatch two league points at top flight newcomers Birmingham on Monday.
The Tru7 Group Tigers fought back from ten points down to tie 45-45 - before claiming the extra league point from a Super Heat at Perry Barr. Simon Stead’s side conceded three 5-1s in the opening four races in what was a real sluggish start in the Second City.
The gap was reduced to six in Heat Six though when Tai Woffinden and Jason Edwards banged in a maximum over Birmingham No.1 Vaclav Milik.
Josh Pickering then produced a fine ride to round Scott Nicholls off bend four of the opening lap to lead a share of the spoils in Heat Seven before Woffinden and Edwards linked up for another advantage in the ninth, this time with a 4-2.
The ten point gap was present again when Birmingham took advantage of Chris Holder’s fall in Heat Ten - but Jack Holder and Kyle Howarth came up with an instant response to bring a different feel heading into the interval.
For the second fixture running, Woffinden was nominated as a Tactical Substitute in Heat 12 - and whilst it wasn’t quite the 5-1 they managed at Oxford, a 4-2 with Chris Holder saw them move to within four points of the Brummies.
Woffinden made it four wins on the spin in Heat 13 - but they were unable to close the gap further following a spill for Jack Holder who was desperately trying to re-pass Nicholls.
Pickering eased to victory in Heat 14 but with Edwards at the back, it meant the Tigers needed a 5-1 in Heat 15 to force the Super Heat.
Jack Holder dusted himself down to storm away from gate two and when Woffinden’s perseverance on the outside of Nicholls paid off, they’d got the result they were after.
Unsurprisingly, Stead put his faith in his top two once again and his decision was rewarded as they got the job done with a 7-2 in the re-run of the Super Heat after Milik was thrown out for the hosts after coming down alone on the opening bends of the initial staging.
The Tigers now begin preparations for their first home fixture of the season this Thursday (March 28, 7.30) which sees them host Oxford at Owlerton.
BIRMINGHAM 45: Leon Flint 9, Vaclav Milik 8+1, Tom Brennan 8+1, Scott Nicholls 7+2, Zach Cook 5+2, Steve Worrall 5+1, Wiktor Lampart 3. SHEFFIELD 45: Tai Woffinden 15+1, Jack Holder 9, Josh Pickering 8, Kyle Howarth 5+2, Chris Holder 4, Jason Edwards 3+1, Dan Gilkes 1. Sheffield beat Birmingham 7-2 in Super Heat
