PIRATES promoter Matt Ford believes King’s Lynn are nailed-on for an Elite League grand final spot.

The Stars have won 10 meetings out of 11 in 2014 and Ford has been hugely impressed with the displays of Rob Lyon’s men.

Poole stole a point in a 47-43 defeat at the Norfolk Arena on Thursday but the home team’s display was enough to convince the Wimborne Road chief that whoever beats the Stars in the play-offs – assuming Lynn make it – will become Elite League champions.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “It was a great point at King’s Lynn because to me they are the best team in the league this season.

“In Lewis Kerr and Lewis Rose, they have the best A-class and B-class rider of the pick and if those guys stay fit, I think it’s going to be hard for anyone to get the better of them in home and away legs.

“Kerr showed just what he is capable of with his 12 points against us. He’s capable of beating guys in the top five as he showed against Vaclav Milik and Josh Grajczonek.

“We all know that over the course of the season injury will play its part for all of us, but I would almost definitely say that they would be in the grand final.

“Ourselves and Lakeside will be in there with a shout and Coventry as well. There’s a long way to go and, as I see it, there are three other places up for grabs and we’ve all got to do our bit.”

Pirates’ trip to Lakeside, postponed on Saturday, has been rescheduled for Friday, September 5, while yesterday’s trip to Leicester also bit the dust due to the wet Bank Holiday weather.