One trophy down, two to go – Workington Comets hope their most successful season ever will get even better after lifting the Knockout Cup ahead of two more finals.

The speedway team has been a force on the track this season, reaching the finals of the cup, Championship Shield and the play-offs for the SGB Championship league title.

Comets made history at their Derwent Park home on Thursday night by clinching the cup for the first time and Laura Morgan, who owns the club, admitted it had been an emotional night after years of hurt.

Laura invited former owner Keith Denham to present the medals and trophy and believes the late Ian Thomas, who brought the sport to the town in 1970 and played a major part in resurrecting the club in 1999 after a 17-year absence, would have been watching over the team as they came from 18 points down on aggregate to win 98-82 against Scunthorpe.

She added: "If I could have gone around every single person in the crowd, shaken their hand and said 'That was for you,' I would have done because some of these fans have been coming since 1970.

"Somebody asked me before if I'd put some fairy dust on the track so maybe the late Ian Thomas has helped us out.

"I don't think they needed any help tonight; I knew when I came in the pits that the lads were up for it.

"It was just meant to be, if there is such a thing.

"I'm ecstatic for all the riders but for Rene Bach and Mason Campton, who have been here all these years, I'm absolutely delighted.

"I'm pleased that Keith Denham accepted my offer to come and present the trophy because I think he deserved to be a part of that.

"Now we go again on Sunday."

With the cup now in the trophy cabinet, Comets have their sights set on the league title with the first leg of the final against Lakeside at Rye House tomorrow then the decider at Derwent Park on Sunday night (both 7.30pm starts).

If all goes well they will then hope to complete a sensational treble in the shield final second leg at Derwent Park on Monday night (7pm start), which will be followed by an outstanding league match.

The club has enjoyed a fairy-tale season this year on the track but it could be left homeless in the near future with the news that a speedway track is not part of the plans for a new £15 million stadium in the town.

Laura spoke recently of her fears that the sport could be lost to the town and the county after Allerdale council plans were revealed to house Workington Town and Workington Reds in a shared ground.