Workington Comets boss Tony Jackson counting cost of bad luck

Comets went down 42-48 against the Panthers as the absence of injured star Thomas Jorgensen and a withdrawal which handed Simon Lambert seven rides for the visitors cost Workington dearly.

Jackson said: "There are a lot of ways to look at it because Peterborough were perhaps unlucky that their guest for Jack Holder only got four points.

"But they were fortunate in the fact that Tom Bacon got ruled out because if he'd taken at least three of his rides, Simon Lambert wouldn't have had seven and scored what he did.

"There were a few little things throughout the night that went against us but that's just the way it goes.

"Given a fair wind it could have been close and we might have just shaded it.

"It was one of those nights where things seemed to be going against us with handicaps, exclusions and Ty Proctor breaking down.

"I can't fault the lads for effort and I think the fans seemed to appreciate it."

Jackson felt James Sarjeant was harshly excluded twice and questioned the decision to disqualify Craig Cook in heat 10, although he conceded that it provided a moment of magic as he romped from last to first.

He said: "The race of the night was definitely Craig off 15 metres.

"He was obviously riled up after the decision and he showed his class."

And Comets' team manager was also pleased to see Matt Williamson pick up where he left off last week with another good points haul and a win over popular former British Champion and Grand Prix rider Chris Harris.

"It's a good scalp for him and it showed how much he's improved this year," he said.

"Fair play to Matt, he kept his head down and that will really boost his confidence."

Comets will now travel to Peterborough on Friday (7.30pm start) before hosting Newcastle on Saturday (7pm start) in their final home meeting of the season.

Craig Cook and Ty Proctor will then represent Comets in the Championship Pairs at Sheffield on Sunday (3pm start).