KIM Nilsson’s heartbreaking last-lap retirement cost Leicester a place in the Knockout Cup semi-finals despite a 48-42 home win over Somerset.
Trailing by eight points from the first leg, Lions initially endured a tough night and were 10 behind on aggregate after nine races at Beaumont Park.
However, the hosts led courtesy of number one Nilsson’s second chequered flag in heat 13 – Leicester's third maximum in four races – before the Rebels levelled matters ahead of the final showdown.
The Swede roared away from the gate while high-scoring guest Nick Morris got around the outside of Patrick Hougaard only for disaster to strike half a lap from the end. Josh Grajczonek sauntered through with Hougaard a fortunate third to seal a 91-89 aggregate victory for Somerset.
Team boss Jim Lynch was left crestfallen but insisted he had been proud of a display that saw some steady scoring from most quarters of his side.
“These things happen and we can take a lot from the fact we put up a good fight,” said Lynch.
“We were not firing on all cylinders and Somerset rode consistently well all the way through but I think they would be the first to admit we were very unlucky having gone into the last bend on a 4-2.
“I don’t think there can be any question we deserved to go through. We had won the meeting anyway but just got that bit of bad fortune.
“It is a shame. It was a competition we wanted to progress in but sometimes, you just have to accept these things in speedway.
“I was really pleased that most of the lads managed to put some points on the board. We rode really well and it was not their fault it came to this conclusion.
“It augurs well for the future, that we can get out there and compete like that. It is very difficult for that to stand out now because I am so disappointed, especially for the lads.
“We have to get on with the next match and can do so with confidence after winning another one in front of our home crowd.”
Leicester 48 (89): Nick Morris (guest) 10+1, Kim Nilsson 9, Kacper Gomolski 7+1, Josh Bates 7+1, Erik Riss 7, Lasse Bjerre (guest) 6+2, Danny Ayres 2.
Somerset 42 (91): Josh Grajczonek 13, Patrick Hougaard 8, Nicolai Klindt (guest) 7+1, Jake Allen 5+2, Charles Wright 4+1, Jan Graversen 3+1, Rohan Tungate 2.
