TEAM boss Neil Middleditch insists Poole Pirates deserve credit for their comeback at Leicester on Monday.

Pirates were left with mixed feelings having been 12 points down after eight heats at the Elite League's bottom club before battling to a 46-46 draw.

And while the result left Poole winless in four away league meetings in 2016, the Wimborne Road manager was keen to focus on the spirit of his side.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "It was a good result when you consider the position we were in halfway through the meeting.

"Hans (Andersen) and Chris (Holder) both had a couple of indifferent rides and decided to use their spare bikes, which paid off with a couple of maximums.

"Of course, we went there to win and many thought we would but Leicester are no mugs, especially around their own place where they recently beat Swindon.

"They were very sharp early on and quick out of the gate on a track that has always been renowned for being difficult to pass on.

"It took us a while to get set up correctly but once we started to nibble away at their lead, the lads got their heads up and began to believe they could do it.

"At 12 points down against anybody, a draw is a good result."

And Middleditch felt the absence of Kyle Newman, still nursing a groin complaint, had played a part in Poole enduring a tougher-than-expected night.

"Kyle has had some tremendous meetings at Leicester in the past and without disrespect to Steve Worrall, you always miss one of your own riders in these situations," he added.