SHEFFIELD boss Simon Stead says his side need to ‘strive for further improvement’ after a below-par performance at King’s Lynn on Monday.

The Tru7 Group Tigers were beaten 51-39 at the Adrian Flux Arena, but did still move to within three points of league leaders Ipswich as they claimed the aggregate point 97-83.

Chris Holder continued his stunning run of form as he dropped just one point to the opposition whilst guest Ryan Douglas opened with three unbeaten rides before finishing with two lasts.

Jack Holder provided the Tigers with their only other race winner in Heat 11.

And whilst Stead wasn’t impressed by what he saw from his own side, he was quick to give credit to the injury-hit hosts.

“We were simply beaten by the better team, no excuses,” Stead said.

“With the exception of Chris, who was excellent, and to a lesser extent Dougy, we struggled to find our stride.

“We have to accept that we weren’t good enough and that performance collectively was way below what we expect at Sheffield.

“But it’s important we don’t dwell on it too much and that we now focus on what is a very important upcoming August where we need to strive for further improvement.”

A busy final month of the regular campaign for Sheffield gets underway this Thursday (August 1, 7.30pm) when they take on Leicester at Owlerton.

KING’S LYNN 51: Richard Lawson 12, Jan Kvech 11+1, Niels-Kristian Iversen 9+3, Luke Becker 7+2, Patryk Wojdylo 7+1, Anders Rowe 5+1, Benjamin Basso R/R.
SHEFFIELD 39: Chris Holder 13+1, Ryan Douglas 9, Jack Holder 6+2, Kyle Howarth 6, Josh Pickering 2, Jason Edwards 2, Dan Gilkes 1.
Sheffield win the aggregate point 97-83.