LAKESIDE Hammers speedway stalwart Leigh Lanham has spoken of the team spirit that is inspiring the local club to new heights.

Hammers maintained their challenge at the top of the Elite league table on Friday evening with a win against Wolverhampton, despite the fact that they were without three of their top stars.

Skipper Adam Shields is hospitalised for at least the next fortnight to stabilise multiple injuries suffered during a horror smash at Peterborough last Thursday, Jonas Davidsson is ruled out for possibly the remainder of the season after a crash in Sweden and Joonas Kylmakorpi, has under gone a shoulder operation, which has meant a premature end to his racing year.

Losing three such riders might prove fatal for many teams, but such is the spirit in the resurgent Lakesiders that they are still aiming to end the season with a triple trophy blitz.

Lanham, who has stepped in to replace Adams as skipper, said: “People were very quick to write us off after the injuries hit, but this team spirit is something else, and there was no way I was going to let us lose on Friday.

"We owe it to our team mates and the fans - we won't let this season slip. We will fight for every point out there."

Team manager Jon Cook was thrilled by Friday‘s win, saying: “After the week we've had, this feels like winning the League, and I can't praise the lads out there highly enough.

"With our number 8 Kauko Nieminen riding way beyond any expectations, and with guest Lewis Bridger defying his critics and putting in an exciting and mature performance, the team effort tonight was fantastic. We will have to go some to top this feeling right now."

Hammers owner Stuart Douglas echoed that spirit when saying: "We could have let the doom and gloom affect us, but I have total faith in this club, and total faith in Jon Cook's ability to build, and rebuild, if necessary, a team capable of maintaining our title charge.

"His choice of guest in Lewis Bridger was inspired, and I'm really pleased the lad enjoyed himself in the Hammers colours - that's the kind of team spirit we have here. Any team who thinks they can come and turn us over in the run in to the play-offs better be ready for a serious scrap."

The Lakeside Hammers now have a break from League racing with their next Sky Sports League match not scheduled until Friday, September 5 when they return to their Arena-Essex Raceway. They will be looking to maintain their top two position in the League table to ensure a home tie in the play-off semi Finals.

The only fixture they have before then is the second leg of their Knockout Cup Semi Final clash against arch rivals, the Eastbourne Eagles. That is due to take place this coming Saturday, August 30at the Eagles' Arlington circuit.

The Hammers go into this important match 11 points up after the first leg, which resulted in a 52-41 victory for the Hammers. They will be keen to reach their second final of the season having already reached the Final of the Craven Shield, where they will meet Coventry over two legs later in the year.