PIRATES boss Matt Ford insisted Brady Kurtz had answered his critics with a double-figure haul at Belle Vue.

The 21-year-old, who has turned in a string of indifferent recent displays, managed just three points at Somerset last week.

But he emphatically bounced back with a salvo of 13 paid 14 in Monday's 48-42 defeat to the Aces, securing three wins in six rides to help his team claim an SGB Premiership point.

Ford told the club website: "Brady has shown what a mature head he has on his shoulders.

"It's been tough for him at times this season and there was a lot of criticism after his performance at Somerset.

"But like a top professional rider, he didn't let it bother him, he got his head down and worked on the issues behind the scenes.

"It's never an easy task going to Manchester and Brady led from the front."

Kurtz will hope to continue his resurgence when Pirates line up against Somerset in the Knockout Cup quarter-final second leg at Wimborne Road tomorrow (7.30pm).

Poole must overturn a 52-38 deficit to advance.