BELLE VUE boss Mark Lemon focused on the “positives” after a 52-38 defeat at Ipswich.
The ATPI Aces only let it slip in the latter stages of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership clash at Foxhall on Thursday night.
With three races to go, Lemon’s side were just six adrift of the league leaders. But the powerhouse duo of Emil Sayfutdinov and Jason Doyle produced a strong finale for the home side.
The highlight for the ATPI Aces was a strong paid eight return from young reserve Jake Mulford.
Lemon said: “There were definitely some improved performances. I feel that’s something we can build on should we meet Ipswich again in the play-offs.
“In the end 14 points looks like a big home win and a disappointing display. But we still felt we could sneak a win before Heat 13.
“We definitely operated with an eye on the play-offs. That was largely a success being only six points down going into the last three races. There were lots of positives.
“This is a very tough place to come, especially for the reserves but Jake (Mulford) produced possibly his best performance of the season with paid eight.
“We need a bit more from the younger guys in the team and he was excellent.
“Now our focus is on Birmingham on Monday night at the National Speedway Stadium and to get back to winning ways after a difficult week.”
ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP R2
IPSWICH 52: Jason Doyle 12+2, Adam Ellis 11+2, Emil Sayfutdinov 10+1, Tom Brennan 8+1, Danny King 7, Jason Edwards 2+1, Dan Thompson 2.
BELLE VUE 38: Brady Kurtz 10, Dan Bewley 8, Jaimon Lidsey 7+1, Jake Mulford 7+1, Zach Cook 3+1, Norick Blodorn 2, Tate Zischke 1.
Ipswich win the aggregate point.