Chris Louis delighted as Ipswich Witches reach Premiership play-offs after Peterborough beat Leicester

Ipswich Witches have reached the Premiership play-offs after a dramatic evening of speedway – not at Foxhall – but at Peterborough.

The Panthers beat the Witches’ play-off rivals Leicester Lions 58-32 at the East of England Showground last night, meaning the Lions failed to pick up the single point they needed to overhaul Chris Louis’ side.

Both Ipswich and Leicester finished on 34 points in the table, but it was the Witches’ better race points difference that secured them the final play-off spot and a tasty-looking semi-final clash with Belle Vue, the home leg of which will take place on Thursday, September 21 at Foxhall.

The first leg is at Belle Vue three nights earlier.

“It certainly went down to the wire, but we’re delighted,” Witches owner Louis said.

“We had a tough start to the season with injury and illness hampering the way things went for us. But our second half has been sensational, with just one defeat in eight in the league.

“I’m so pleased for the team who have had to ride through so much this season, but I’m especially pleased for our fans who have continued to back us in large numbers all summer. Now they have not just a KO Cup final to look forward to on Thursday, but the week after a play-off semi-final as well.”

The Witches race at Sheffield on Monday in the first leg of the KO Cup final – the second leg is at Foxhall this Thursday (14th).

Then it’s the Belle Vue play-off clash.

"Yes, we have Sheffield at home on Thursday and the KO Cup is something we want to win,” Louis said. “Belle Vue will be a big test, but we are very much the form team in the Premiership, and we will race them with confidence.”

UPCOMING FIXTURES AT FOXHALL

Thursday, September 14: KO Cup final, second leg: SHEFFIELD TIGERS, 7.30pm

Thursday, September 21: Premiership Play-off semi-final, second leg: BELLE VUE ACES, 7.30pm.

Admission for fans on race night at Foxhall: Adults (17+) £22, concessions (65+) £20, children (16 and under) free, car parking is also free.