PROMOTER Nigel Wagstaff wasn't the only disappointed man after the hammering the Oxford Silver Machine were handed by Poole Pirates in their Knockout Cup semi-final at Wimborne Road.

The Oxford fans were also non-plussed as Monday's line-up seemed only a shadow of the side we see at Sandy Lane.

Wagstaff said: "We've done well to get through to two semi-finals this season, but it means nothing if we go and ride like that."

Poole manager Neil Middleditch certainly lived up to his word after his patched-up side were stuffed 62-28 at Oxford last month.

He said at the time: "I apologise for our performance tonight. I'm not blaming the riders, but I promise you some real action when we meet again."

The Pirates never gave the Silver Machine a glimmer of hope as they fired in from all angles to almost put the tie beyond reach for the second leg at Sandy Lane on October 10.

To turn around 22 points is a mighty big ask, and all Poole need to do is ride sensibly and they are in the final. What's even more worrying for Oxford is the fact they have to win at Wimborne Road next Monday if they are to reach the final of the Elite League play-offs.

After this week's display, there won't be much confidence in the camp.

However, we must not forget that Oxford supposedly had little chance of any glory at the start of the season and have done superbly to get where they are - even though it looks as though they may be toppled at the death.

TRAVIS McGowan, who thrilled the fans at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium recently, has been out and about again promoting Oxford Silver Machine.

With his girlfriend Lauren, he attended the Blackbird Leys fete last weekend which also attracted United stars Jamie Brooks and Chris Hackett to the Silver Machine stand. PLANS for a farewell meeting for Todd Wiltshire, who retires at the end of the season, are in hand, although no date has yet been fixed.

OXFORD-based photographer Mike Patrick's new book 'Speedway Through The Lens of Mike Patrick', will not be out now until October 10.

THE Support Our Speedway campaign are again staging a Grand Prix barbecue at the Green Road Club, Kidlington, on Saturday (5.30pm).