MATT Ford was remaining tight-lipped after it was revealed Pirates had been deducted four points from their 46-44 defeat at Eastbourne earlier this month.

The Speedway Control Bureau have amended the result of the controversial Elite League clash at Arlington on Saturday, June 4 to 46-40 in the Eagles favour.

Their decision comes after Poole RIAS inadvertently used rider replacement for Matej Ferjan - which gleaned the four points that have now been deducted - when they thought he was riding for Hungary in the World Cup.

Ferjan, eventually left out of the Hungarian side at the 11th hour because of a passport problem, went on to ride in the German League the same day, claiming he couldn't get to Eastbourne on time to line up for Pirates.

And because that happened, it meant Poole weren't entitled to use the rider replacement facility at Arlington.

Eastbourne promoter Jon Cook stressed he was "delighted" with the outcome of the SCB investigation into the incident.

But it is believed the investigation is still on going, and Ford said: "We won't be making a comment as a club until the SCB investigation is fully finished."

Ford has always made it clear that Pirates would help the SCB with their investigation, but his temporary silence raises fears that Ferjan, and the club, could face further punishment.

The four points deducted are those that Ricky Ashworth (one point in heat seven) and Antonio Lindback (three points in heat 12) secured while used as rider replacement for Ferjan at Arlington.

Tobias Johansson took the other two rider replacement outings in heats three and 10, but failed to score any points.

It means Eastbourne will visit Wimborne Road on Wednesday for the return B fixture protecting a 46-40 advantage instead of just two points.

That seriously jeopardises Pirates hopes of picking up the bonus point and could have a disastrous effect at the end of the season if they miss out on a title play-off place by one point.

Cook, who stressed when he officially complained to the SCB that he believed Poole had not known that Ferjan was riding in Germany, welcomed the points deduction.

He said: "It's never been about the points really, it's about the principle of the matter.

"I'm pleased the SCB has taken action.

"The rules are quite clear and now this situation has been cleared up we can fully concentrate on the return match on Wednesday at Poole."