Swales' men finished third in the Elite League

Peterborough Panthers boss Trevor Swales believes his side can overturn a 14-point deficit against Coventry Bees in the Elite League play-offs.

The Panthers fell apart three heats from the end at Brandon to finish the semi-final first leg 52-38 down.

Swales told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "We need to pull it back because we need to get into the final.

"We desperately want to get into the final, for us and the fans. We shall be doing everything within our powers."

The battle between third-placed Peterborough and fourth-placed Coventry had been a tight one until heat 13, when the Bees pulled away with three 5-1s on the bounce.

It was a deflating finish to the meeting for Swales' men, who let their advantage slip ahead of Monday's second leg at Alwalton.

Our backs are up against the wall but we've got 15 races to put it right Peterborough Panthers rider Riry Schlein

"I'm afraid we threw it away, the first 5-1 they got the track had turned out slicker and we just didn't follow the set-ups," Swales added.

"Those three big 5-1s at the end did us no favours, to be honest I think it flattered the Bees, but there's the matter of another leg at the Showground.

"I can assure you it won't be slick that night, the track will be nice and grippy so they better come prepared for that."

Rory Schlein top-scored for the visitors with 10, but that was no consolation for the Australian.

"I had an OK night personally, but at the end of the day that doesn't matter," he said.

"Our backs are up against the wall but we've got 15 races to put it right. We'll get the boys' heads screwed on that night and see where it goes."

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