POOLE Pirates promoter Danny Ford believes his side should “take some heart” from their clash with Oxford Cheetahs after pushing their hosts all the way in an eventual superheat defeat.

A tight clash at Oxford Stadium ended in a 45-45 draw after 15 races, requiring a superheat to separate the two sides.

Pirates were unable to prevent Cheetahs pair Sam Masters and Scott Nicholls, the former Poole riders securing a maximum to inflict the first league defeat of the season upon their old employers.

Speaking after the meeting, Ford shared:  “Naturally we are disappointed with the final result, but however, on reflection, I think we can take some heart in the fact that we pushed Oxford so hard on their own turf.

“I have already said before how strong they are, particularly at home, and I think come the end of the season they will certainly be up there in the play-off positions.

“Everyone in attendance was treated to a fantastic back-and-forth fixture which is always what we want as a sport, tough tight contests, and that is certainly what we got, and I think we have put ourselves in a decent position for the return fixture at Wimborne Road and the aggregate bonus point."