Nicolai was the difference says Ford following Pirates' crucial win at Leicester

Victory over Leicester last night ignited Poole's play-off hopes with Klindt leading the scoring charts by racking up an imperious paid 18 return.

The Danish charger, who partnered Brady Kurtz to a decisive maximum in the final heat of Pirates' 47-43 win, won five of his seven rides and followed home Josh Grajczonek for a 5-1 in heat eight.

Ford said: “Nicolai was outstanding, just superb. When you have a reserve in form like he is currently, it makes such a huge difference to the team.

“When I brought him back to replace Stefan Nielsen because of injury, I hoped this was the kind of performance we would see from him and now I want him to stay in this kind of form.

“Nicolai is a wonderful guy and has given the team a real lift off the track since he came back. He loves racing for the Pirates and that undoubtedly showed at Leicester. He was just too hot for them to handle.”

With most of the heat results determined by fast gating, Pirates manager Neil Middleditch shuffled his pack in heat 12, bringing in Klindt for Kacper Woryna.

But the Dane found himself closed off up the inside and Lions racer James Sarjeant took full advantage, holding off Frederik Jakobsen as he supported Charles Wright to a 5-1.

But after Kenneth Bjerre had fallen in the next race – allowing Poole to share the heat – Klindt flew from the gate in heat 14 as drama unfolded behind him.

Krystian Pieszczek and Richie Worrall tangled on the top turn late on and both hit the shale.

But with Pieszczek deemed to have been the primary cause of the stoppage, the race was awarded as a 5-1 to the visitors.

And with Pirates having the choice of gates in the decider, Kurtz and Klindt took full advantage to hold off Bjerre and Hans Andersen to claim three precious league points.

Ford added: “While Nicolai was unquestionably the difference between the sides, one rider doesn’t make a victory and it was a real team effort.”