BELLE Vue’s hopes of reaching the Elite League play-offs evaporated on Monday night when they were held to their second draw in three home matches. They drew 45-45 with Coventry in a seesaw match in which the sides were never separated by more than four points.

Rory Schlein was outstanding for the Autogate Aces with 13 points and he capped his night by passing both visiting riders in one move to win the final race and earn the draw. But with skipper Chris Harris scoring only five points and Dane Patrick Hougaard two the Aces continued the problem which has haunted them all season of dropping too many points unexpectedly.

Team manager Jim Lynch said: “We can say goodbye to a top four play-off place. Coventry rode as a team and we were disjointed. Our new signing Lukasz Jankowski made a great debut with six points and it was criminal he should give a performance like that and we only get a draw.”

The Aces have a major supporters’ meeting tonight at the Monastery, in Gorton Lane, when details of the £6m new stadium project will be revealed. It starts at 7 0 and fans are asked to arrive in good time.