Workington Comets co-promoter Steve Whitehead warned a number of the team’s riders must take a look at themselves after a disappointing 56-37 defeat at Plymouth last night.

Whitehead, who was team manager in Tony Jackson’s absence, took nothing away from the Devils’ impressive display, spearheaded by Todd Kurtz with 15 points from five rides.

But he criticised the attitude of some of his own riders and said the performance was not fitting of a team with ambitions of winning the Premier League title.

He said: “There are no excuses whatsoever.

“If we have any intention of reaching the play-offs and challenging for the title we can’t go to places like Plymouth with a team like they’ve got and come away with a result like that.”

Whitehead said every rider must come out fighting tonight as they look to bounce back at home to Sheffield (7pm start).

The Tigers will be without Josh Bates after the youngster injured his shoulder on Thursday night but they boast three ex-Comets in their ranks in Simon Stead, Kyle Howarth and Nathan Greaves.

“We’ve got to move on to the next fixture, it’s only one defeat at an away track so we’ll put the performance behind us,” Whitehead added.

“Rasmus Jensen rode really well and was fighting for every point and Claus Vissing when I gave him the black and white helmet in a race with Brady Kurtz delivered.

“Matt Williamson as well always tried and was worth every point he got.”