Speedway: Ipswich cling on to play-off hopes after beating Leicester
It was their final home meet of the season
Ipswich's hopes for a top four finish, and a chance to race in the play-offs, is still in reach, after they secured a victory in their final home meet of the season - beating Leicester 51-39.
The Suffolk side used Jason Edwards as a guest for the injured Dan Thompson, whilst the visitors were at full strength.
The two sides exchanged heat advantages early on, but the Lions who led after eight races.
A late burst from Ipswich saw them finish strongly, with a comfortable win to add another two points to their tally.
They also picked up the aggregate bonus point following their 16-point win in the East Midlands.
Jason Doyle top scored with a 14+1 paid maximum.
The Witches' team manager Ritchie Hawkins was pleased with the win: “We finished our home league campaign with a solid performance, everyone scored throughout, and I was really pleased with the boys who had a bit of a duff second ride to pull it back round.
"It was a good result and a good performance that carries on our good run of form.
“It was Jason’s second meeting for us and I think he did very well. I think he enjoyed being with us and we enjoyed having him.
"It was a good performance from him, and he is another promising British youngster that we have got coming through.
“It was another superb performance from Doyley. It was brilliant to see as ever, and he has been so good for us. This is his second year with us, and he has been terrific throughout. He didn’t have to shoot off tonight, he often has to, but it was great to see him out there at 10pm in the car park with all the fans chatting to people and signing autographs.
"It was great for him to have the chance to do that tonight and I’m sure all the fans showed the appreciation they have for him and how loved his is here at Ipswich.
“We are third in the table and have no league meeting next week, it is whether the boys can catch us up now. They have got a massive opportunity to, and we are just hoping that they don’t.”
The Ipswich Witches travel to the East of England Arena to face Peterborough on Monday 28th August in the Knockout Cup.