GLASGOW boss Cami Brown admitted the Tigers were “gutted” to miss out on a win at Scunthorpe yesterday – but praised the performance of his new-look side.
Craig Cook and Nathan Greaves made their debuts and were instrumental in keeping their side in it until the last race, when a drawn heat sealed the 46-44 win for the home team.
Cook, fresh from making the semi-final in Saturday’s British Grand Prix, scored 14 points – winning his last four races – while Greaves got a commendable 4+1.
The World Championship star’s performance was all the more impressive given he had suffered a heavy fall in Cardiff and was struggling to walk.
Things could have been even better for Glasgow as they looked set to seal a 5-1 in the last race, but Chris Harris was passed by both Scorpions to keep them two ahead.
The result gives Glasgow a point in their quest to reach the Championship play-offs as they prepare to face Berwick home and away this weekend.
Brown said: “Everyone in the team and management was absolutely gutted, and Chris was inconsolable after the match. I think any Glasgow fan there, when you look at what happened, would’ve said we at least deserved a draw. I thought overall we actually deserved to pinch the meeting, to be honest.
“Scunthorpe officials said it was the closest and best meeting they’d seen all season. They’re a good team at home – they had six of their own riders and a guest, and they weren’t weakened by that.
“It was a good performance by the team, but again we hit the crossbar in getting that elusive away win. If it had stayed the way it was in heat 15 we’d have won.
“After being so disappointed on Friday with our result in the Pairs, I was delighted with the effort the boys put in yesterday. Everybody chipped in, and if you look at the stats, most of our riders won a race – but we just couldn’t get those boys who won one race to win a second or third race, and that makes such a difference.
“It’s just that little percent away but it’s not for the lack of effort because they were fighting for each other and helping each other.
“I thought young Nathan had a good debut for us at No 2, he chipped in with paid five. I said to him, away from home, that’s all I expect from you.
“And if that’s a half-fit Craig Cook, what are we going to get when he’s fit? He really enjoyed riding for Glasgow. He came to speak to us after the match and said he had enjoyed it.
“He’s tweeted to say he can’t wait for his home debut and hopes everyone can come out to see it – that’s the kind of calibre of guy he is – and there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he’ll give us 100%.”
Brown added: “I’d like to thank the fans who turned out in big numbers to watch us at Scunthorpe – they were magnificent, and hopefully agree that we were much improved from previous performances.”
SCUNTHORPE 46: Josh Auty 11, Jason Garrity 8+2, Josh Pickering 8, Steve Worrall 7, Gino Manzares 5+2, Jake Allen 5+1, Danny Phillips 2.
GLASGOW 44: Craig Cook 14, Chris Harris 8+2, Paul Starke 6+1, Claus Vissing 6, Nathan Greaves 4+1, James Sarjeant 3+1, Jack Thomas 3.