JON Cook hailed Lakeside’s “best form of the year” after watching his side waltz to victory in tonight’s Elite League play-off decider against Swindon and set up a clash with Belle Vue.

The Hammers seized the fourth and final berth with a 58-35 trouncing of the Robins, securing a shot in the end-of-season shootout for the first time in four years.

Lakeside’s top guns led the way with guest Scott Nicholls, standing in for Andreas Jonsson at number one, and heat-leaders Kim Nilsson and Edward Kennett the top scorers.

The verdict seldom looked in doubt with Jason Doyle and reserve Charles Wright the only visiting riders to claim chequered flags.

Hammers will now look to become the first team since Swindon in 2012 to lift British speedway’s top prize the year after finishing bottom of the league table.

“The boys deserve all the credit, every one of them performed exceptionally,” said Cook.

“Understandably, everyone was nervous but as it turned out we produced some of our best form of the year.

“We are delighted and can’t wait for the play-off on Wednesday. Over two legs, we feel we can be strong because of our ability at home.

“With the strength we have in our six-man team alongside whoever comes in for AJ (Jonsson), I think we have every opportunity to win.”

The next job for Cook is to find a suitable and eligible stand-in for the injured Jonsson, although he could yet be fit for the second leg next Monday having suffered a horror injury earlier in the season.

Should Jonsson not recover in time, Coventry star Krzysztof Kasprzak has been lined up as a guest for the second leg.

The club have also added the in-form Robert Branford to their squad under the play-off regulation (subject to BSPA approval) and he will race the away leg in Manchester with Ben Morley retaining his position for the home tie.