Coventry failed in their attempt last night to win at Belle Vue and the 50.40 victory for the Aces lifts them above the Panthers on a better race point's total.

It means that the Panthers now face bottom club Wolverhampton in the very first Elite League relegation play off over two legs, the losers of which will take on the Premier League play off winners for a place in the 2009 Elite League.

The disappointment of just being involved in these play off's is understandable, but it does have a positive slant in that it guarantees at least two further fixtures for the club, and important ones at that, this in turn should ensure both teams will be giving their all which should provide supporters with an exciting end to what has been a somewhat disappointing campaign for both clubs.

Promoter Mick Bratley said: "I don't think our fans should be worried about us having to contest the relegation play off's.  In some ways this is a bonus with our season and we have something really tangible to win - that being the right to contest the Elite League in 2009.  I anticipate that the two legged meeting with Wolves will be closer than many expect, but I concede that the bookmakers will make us overwhelming favourites to emerge as winners.  Even if we are defeated, it would still take a very strange set of circumstances for us to be beaten over two legs by a Premier League side and if we did have to contest against a Premier League side, I secretly hope it is King's Lynn!!!!

Elite League Relegation Play Off Dates 
Tuesday 14th October - 1st leg at Wolverhampton
Thursday 16th October - 2nd leg at Peterborough