Oxford Cheetahs promoter Aaron Lanney admitted it felt more like red face day than Red Nose Day after the defeat against Belle Vue.

After all, the Manchester side were reckoned to be one of the weakest teams in the Elite League, and Friday's Challenge match should have been a romp for Cheetahs.

"Yes, it was a massive shock to be ten points down after three heats and I was very concerned," Lanney said.

"But we must remember this meeting was all about having a shake down and blowing the cobwebs away after the winter break."

Mind you, the Aces didn't show any sign of cobwebs and certainly took full advantage of the new starting position to dominate the first half of the meeting from the gate.

Lanney added: "Belle Vue have been slated in recent weeks on the make-up of their team, and they were out to prove a point.

"They were certainly sharper from the gate before our boys got it together in the second half.

"The signs are there though and we can improve against Peterborough tom- orrow."

Most fans were worried about Ales Dryml after two poor opening rides, questioning whether he could come back after his near-death experience last year.

But Lanney leapt to his defence.

"That (a slow start) can only be expected after what he has been through, but after he made a few adjustments, you could see the confidence returning with each race," he said.

Eric Andersson, so popular with the fans and expected to come of age this year, was another to disappoint.

Lanney, who has great faith in the youngster, said: "He has a new mechanic and very good equipment, but I thought he was overpowered.

"The track was different from practice and he was just spinning all night. But we should see a different rider next time."