DANNY Ford admitted seeing Poole Pirates' long unbeaten home run come to an end was "really painful" and joked whenever his dad Matt attends Wimborne Road "we always seem to have a problem one way or another!"

After 23 meetings without a loss in league and cup, Pirates fell to a 47-43 defeat against Championship leaders Leicester Lions last Wednesday.

It was also the first time Matt Ford had attended a meeting in person this year, with Pirates' owner now residing at his Chateau La Briance resort in France.

Asked if he is now going to have to ask his dad not to attend after seeing Poole's unbeaten run go up in smoke, Pirates promoter Danny Ford joked: "I think I’m going to have to!?

"Losing one was enough and I’m blaming my dad, because it was the first one he was there for, so I’m saying it was his fault!

"Funnily enough the one that he came to last year was when we had problems with the track (against Birmingham).

"So he’s certainly not doing himself any favours!

"When he turns up we always seem to have a problem one way or the other, so I definitely don’t think he’ll be welcome any time soon!"

Discussing Matt's involvement this season more generally, Danny said: "He watches all the live streams and he’s still heavily involved as much as he can be from abroad.

"He still speaks to the lads quite regularly and we’re all on the group chat.

"Between us, me and him sort a lot of things out as well.

"So yes, he’s still heavily involved, but hopefully he can do that from afar rather than in person from now on!"

For Danny and Pirates fans, defeat on home shale is an unfamiliar feeling.

Poole had not lost in more than 1,000 days, since a 49-41 Premiership defeat to Wolverhampton Wolves in September 2019, before Leicester came to town last week.

Reflecting on the meeting with the Lions, Danny Ford said: "It was really painful. That was actually my first defeat since I’ve been at the helm.

"It didn’t feel great, I’ve got to be honest.

"It took a while to get over it and I’m not sure I’m entirely over it.

"You kind of want to get straight back on the saddle afterwards, so it’s a little unfortunate we’re not racing tomorrow.

"These things happen, it was always bound to happen at some stage.

"It’s about how we bounce back now and that will show the true character of the team."

Pirates, who now sit third in the league, are next in action on Friday night, away at Scunthorpe Scorpions (7.30pm).