Last updated 21:37, Wednesday, 20 August 2008

WORKINGTON’S home victory over top four rivals Edinburgh has boosted morale ahead of the Knockout Cup semi-final with the Monarchs.

The Comets were down-hearted after crashing 59-30 in front of the Sky cameras on Monday but hit back in the best possible manner.

They beat the Monarchs 53-39 at Derwent Park, and although the same scoreline replicated in the Cup would see Edinburgh through, team manager Ian Thomas is optimistic.

“To be blunt we were pathetic at Edinburgh and I honestly can’t see us being that bad again. We also had a fair but of bad luck in that meeting.

“On Saturday I thought it was a fair scoreline and Edinburgh could have had no complaints. The only controversial incident went against us when Jason Doyle was excluded or we would have had a bigger winning margin.

“Tomi Reima back at number two is a boost and by the time we go to Edinburgh for the first leg on Friday, September 26 we should have Daniel Nermark well into the swing of things again.

“I thought Tomi was excellent on his first meeting back and he’s going to make a big difference. We went to Edinburgh with a Conference League rider at number two and our guest Tai Woffinden, deputising for Daniel only scored six points. I think we have a fair chance of coming out on top over the two legs, but I have a feeling they will be closer than the two League matches,” said Thomas.

Workington should be able to cement their top four place overt the last five matches with the only away meeting this Saturday at Berwick.

The return leg is at Derwent Park on Monday night (7pm) and then the Comets have to race against Glasgow (August 30), Stoke (Friday, September 5) and Newcastle (September 13) - which should all be home wins.

By comparison current leaders Somerset only have two more matches left at home while they face seven more on the road.

Edinburgh are a bit better balanced with four at home and five away while King’s Lynn, favourites to join the other three in the play-offs still have four at home and two away.

“It’s possible we could be riding against Edinburgh again if we both make the play-offs – as we should, so there’s plenty of good speedway to come this season.

“That’s why I’m pleased that we should be able to track our own seven riders from this week-end and then if we can steer clear of injuries we will have a great chance of landing more silverware,” said Thomas.