BOSS Simon Stead praised his Leicester side after their 47-43 derby win over Wolverhampton.
The Watling JCB Lions scrapped their way to a third straight home win despite being without experienced duo Hans Andersen and Danny King.
King remained sidelined with an ongoing arm problem while Andersen continued his fine form by booking his place in the GP Challenge after finishing second in Monday's qualifier in Germany.
But guest duo Richie Worrall and Ricky Wells stepped up to the plate impressively with James Sarjeant and Kyle Newman also chipping in with crucial 8+1 totals.
Popular Pole Krystian Pieszczek suffered an up and down night with two wins and two last places while No.1 Kenneth Bjerre had an indifferent night also.
And while Todd Kurtz found things tough again at reserve, he still managed to find an important paid win in Heat Eight.
Stead admits he was pleased with his side's performance overall and says he always felt the Lions had control of the fixture.
"I never felt too uncomfortable although they certainly have the riders in their team to turn things around very quickly," Stead said.
"So we knew we had to keep on top of things and we worked well considering the circumstances.
"Being without Hans and Danny we covered well. The guests came in and did a good job and they deserved their run-out in Heat 15.
"I think we were unfortunate to let Wolves leave with a point and I think their 5-1 in Heat 15 flattered them in the end.
"But we did a good job and we can build on that."
The Lions head to Belle Vue next Monday (noon) before hosting the Aces back at the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena on the same night (7.30) in an exciting Bank Holiday double header.
LEICESTER 47: Richie Worrall 10+1, James Sarjeant 8+1, Kyle Newman 8+1, Ricky Wells 7, Krystian Pieszczek 6, Kenneth Bjerre 5, Todd Kurtz 3+1.
WOLVERHAMPTON 43: Sam Masters 14+1, Jacob Thorssell 9+2, Cameron Heeps 6+1, Ashley Morris 6, Rory Schlein 4+2, Nathan Greaves 4+1, Kyle Howarth R/R.
Picture: MARK HALL
