King’s Lynn were held to a 45-45 draw by Northampton in a closely contested Premiership meeting at the Adrian Flux Arena.
The PSH Environmental Stars were unable to build on their 54-36 victory over Ipswich, with the Foxes proving difficult opponents throughout an evening in which no more than four points separated the teams.
Former King’s Lynn rider Niels-Kristian Iversen played a decisive role for the visitors, winning both Heats 14 and 15 to help Northampton secure a share of the points.
The Stars made the first significant move of the meeting when Ben Cook and Cooper Rushen combined for a 5-1 in Heat 3. However, Northampton gradually reduced the deficit, with strong performances from Iversen, Jaimon Lidsey and Nicolai Klindt.
The scores were level at 21-21 after Heat 7 and remained close throughout the second half of the meeting.
King’s Lynn briefly moved ahead again in Heat 10 when Max Fricke won ahead of Iversen, with Chris Harris taking third place. Jan Kvech then defeated Lidsey in Heat 11, but Northampton responded in the following race to bring the scores level once again.
Fricke won Heat 13, with Kvech finishing third to give the Stars a narrow advantage, before Iversen’s victory in Heat 14 helped Northampton level the scores at 42-42 ahead of the final race.
Iversen and Lidsey made the stronger start in Heat 15, but Fricke and Cook both passed Lidsey on the opening lap. Fricke was unable to find a way past Iversen, leaving the final race shared and confirming the 45-45 draw.
King’s Lynn manager Rob Lyon said inconsistency had again proved costly.
He said: “It’s disappointing, especially after Thursday when we had a good win, but it’s the same old story really. We just aren’t consistent enough.
“They have riders who know this place well and I guess in the end that came back to haunt us with Niels winning Heat 15.”
King’s Lynn now face two important away fixtures, travelling to Sheffield on Thursday, July 9, before visiting Leicester on Thursday, July 16.
King’s Lynn 45: Max Fricke 12, Ben Cook 10+1, Jan Kvech 8, Cooper Rushen 5+2, Jody Scott 5+2, Chris Harris 4+1, Jordan Jenkins 1.
Northampton 45: Niels-Kristian Iversen 11, Jaimon Lidsey 10, Nicolai Klindt 9, Kye Thomson 6+1, Matej Zagar 5, Luke Harrison 3, Troy Batchelor 1.
