LIONS boss Simon Stead admitted that his side raced better “than the scoreline suggests” in a tough encounter at on-form Belle Vue.
The Watling JCB Lions started well at the National Speedway Stadium but were left floundering after a flurry of three 5-1s in five races before Heat 7.
But the reality was that the Aces are on a high after two away wins and produced several sensational bursts from the back to deny the plucky visitors.
Stead admitted afterwards: “I can’t really fault the boys to be honest. We were in so many good positions during the meeting but Belle Vue are very special around here.
“They were all going well tonight and it’s hard when they are in that mood. But in saying that, we fought for everything. We did better than the scoreline suggests.
“Hans and Josh did the majority of the scoring but it’s hard to believe the scores from Ricky and Charles because they worked so hard.
“Scott just had a very tough night while Connor produced a really battling couple of rides.
“We were just beaten by the better side. They are so good around this track but we have it everything we’ve got.”
Former Grand Prix winner Andersen was the shining light for the Lions with two excellent wins and was always in the thick of it.
Auty also was never-say-die and earn a Heat 15 pick thanks to his constant battling in a fine paid 12 from six rides.
BELLE VUE 57: Dan Bewley 12+1, Steve Worrall 11+1, Rohan Tungate 9+2, Max Fricke 8+1, Dimitri Berge 8+1, Craig Cook 7, Mark Riss 2.
LEICESTER 33: Hans Andersen 12, Josh Auty 11+1, Ricky Wells 4+1, Charles Wright 3, Connor Mountain 2+1, Scott Nicholls 1, Stuart Robson 0.
