Doolan's early injury in Reading hit King's Lynn hard

King's Lynn Stars' opening meeting of their Premier League KO Cup defence ended with a 59-34 first-leg defeat at Reading Racers on Monday.

The Stars, Cup champions for the last three seasons, were hit by the withdrawal of Kevin Doolan in heat three due to injury.

Mark Lemon was the Racers' leading scorer with 15 as King's Lynn rider Tomas Topinka recorded 13 points.

The second leg will in the Norfolk Arena on Wednesday at 1930 BST.

Racers' promoter Malcolm Holloway said although it was a bigger win than he had hoped for, there was still work to be done in the second leg.

"King's Lynn are the kind of team who can overwhelm some sides at their Saddlebow Road raceway.

"The main thing is to defend the lead we have and make it safely through to the next round of the competition. We will certainly be doing everything we can to achieve this aim."

Reading rider Danny Warwick will be out for several meetings after injuring his shoulder in heat two.