Buxton Hitmen face tough task after first leg defeat to Belle Vue

Photo: Ian Charles

David Wallinger (Yellow/Black) leads Paul Bowen (Blue)

Belle Vue Colts v Buxton Hitmen, Travel Plus National League KO Cup 1st Round, 1st Leg, Belle Vue National Speedway Stadium, Manchester, Friday 20 April 2018 — Photo: Ian Charles David Wallinger (Yellow/Black) leads Paul Bowen (Blue) Belle Vue Colts v Buxton Hitmen, Travel Plus National League KO Cup 1st Round, 1st Leg, Belle Vue National Speedway Stadium, Manchester, Friday 20 April 2018

Buxton Hitmen will face an uphill battle if they are to move into the next round of the National League KO Cup as they suffered a 58-32 first leg defeat at the National Speedway Stadium against last seasons' league champions Belle Vue on Friday night.

The Hitmen put up a spirited display racing hard throughout the meeting and the score line did not reflect their efforts in what was an entertaining meeting.

Team manager Josh Moss said: “We battled hard and the score didn’t really justify the lad’s efforts.

“We suffered a little bad luck in heat three with Tom Woolley and David Wallinger coming together and both suffered knocks and carried on.

“We will need lady luck on Sunday in the second leg as we do have a lot of points to pull back, but it’s not over and we will be working hard to try and turn things around on our home track.”

Ben Wilson and David Wallinger led the charge taking five race victories between them and that was after Wallinger had taken a heavy fall in the third heat after tangling with skipper Tom Woolley.

The Hitmen had one heat advantage which came from Wallinger and Woolley in heat 10 as Wallinger defeated home number one Tom Perry.

The Colts all round strength pulled the Manchester club through with Kyle Bickley and Tom Perry both scoring double figures and they were well supported by reserve Ben Woodhull who chipped in with paid 12 points.

Ben Wilson top scored for the Hitmen with 13 points and he was supported by David Wallinger who chipped in with 9 points.