DANNY Ford paid tribute to Scott Nicholls after the British legend helped Pirates see off Ipswich.

In a Supporters’ Cup clash Poole really had to win after a draw and a defeat against Swindon in the southern group, guest Nicholls stepped up alongside skipper Josh Grajczonek for a heat-15 5-1 on Thursday, to secure a 46-44 triumph.

It was the first time the home side had led during a nip-and-tuck meeting at Wimborne Road.

Ford said: “Losing Brady Kurtz to injury was always going to be a huge blow as he is in wonderful form currently.

“But is there a more reliable guest that Scott Nicholls? I don’t think so and he was superb again last night.

“We hope to have Brady back for our next meeting at Foxhall on May 16. He was feeling a little battered and bruised after his crash in Sweden on Tuesday and just didn’t feel up to climbing on a bike again so soon.

“But I’m pleased to report that his injuries are nothing long-lasting and he should, all being well, be back for us next week.”

Jack Holder’s improvement after a tough start to the campaign continued with the Aussie spearhead bagging a paid 12 score, while skipper Grajczonek’s paid 12 was crucial alongside Nicholls’s 11.