STEFAN Nielsen's wait to race in the British final continued after he fell short in the first semi at Sheffield.

The Pirates reserve has never ridden the showpiece event – with his hopes dashed by injury in 2014 – and must now wait another year at least before he can achieve his ambition.

With seven points to his name at Owlerton Stadium, Nielsen ended up two points shy of Belle Vue duo Craig Cook and Dan Bewley, who took the last two of the eight qualifying spots.

Joining the Belle Vue duo in next month's final at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester will be Sheffield winner Jason Garrity, Kyle Howarth, Josh Auty, Edward Kennett, Robert Lambert and Rory Schlein.

The second semi-final is due to be staged at Leicester tomorrow.

James Shanes, who started the season at Pirates and could yet return, is among the line-up, as is Poole asset Kyle Newman. The likes of Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris will be fancied to advance.

Field: 1 Lewis Kerr, 2. Scott Nicholls, 3 Simon Lambert, 4 Adam Ellis, 5 David Howe, 6 Ben Morley, 7 Chris Harris, 8 James Shanes, 9 Richie Worrall, 10 Ashley Morris, 11 Kyle Newman, 12 Paul Starke, 13 Matt Williamson, 14 Ben Barker, 15 Richard Lawson, 16 Danny King.