PIRATES team boss Neil Middleditch has leapt to the defence of under-fire captain Josh Grajczonek.

The Aussie has received criticism from some quarters after experiencing an indifferent start to his first season as skipper.

Grajczonek had another mixed bag when he collected seven points during Poole's 45-45 draw with SGB Premiership high-fliers Wolverhampton four days ago, the side Pirates face again tomorrow at Monmore (7.30pm).

He trailed in last in his first race before surrendering the lead to Kyle Howarth in sight of the chequered flag in a thrilling finish to heat five.

The 28-year-old claimed his only race win when he partnered tactical substitute Brady Kurtz to a maximum over previously-unbeaten Rory Schlein in heat nine.

He then came second to Nathan Greaves in a re-run of heat 12 after team-mate Stefan Nielsen had taken a heavy fall and required lengthy treatment on the track before being taken away by an ambulance.

Grajczonek headed straight back to the pits following the crash, while Pirates loan man Richie Worrall rushed across the centre green to be with his team-mate.

Middleditch, fielding questions from fans following a press conference after the draw, was asked why he felt Grajczonek had not followed Worrall's lead.

He replied: "Josh doesn’t feel he’s doing his job and is very disappointed. He's been getting a bit of stick from people which they are entitled to.

"But I thought he produced some good racing tonight.

"It's difficult, I’ve been a rider and I know the feeling. He’s very disappointed and it's difficult to face people sometimes.

"Josh is a happy guy but he's been disappointed with his form. It's not Josh being miserable, it's just he’s upset with himself."