Trevor Geer will today sift through the wreckage of his injury-ravaged Eastbourne Eagles squad in a bid to track a team capable of testing the league leaders.
Eagles were reduced to two fully fit men of their own, plus a guest, as they lost 51-42 at Wolverhampton last night.
Cameron Woodward could face a ten-week absence after suffering a broken collarbone and suspected broken ankle in a heat-four smash.
Woodward only took that ride to replace Stefan Andersson, who aggravated an old groin injury in the first race of the night.
The fates conspired against Eagles in a big way both before and during a meeting they felt they could win.
But at least they have the consolation of a fourth bonus point, one less than they scored through the whole of last season, as they plan ahead for Saturday's visit from Coventry.
Already missing Dean Barker and David Norris, a specialist around the Wolverhampton track, they saw their chances of a first away win of 2007 further reduced as: l Lewis Bridger, who loves Monmore Green, had to move from reserve due to the averages.
l A last-minute average switch for Davey Watt meant Nicki Pedersen could not take a replacement ride for Norris.
l Both reserves, Andersson and Woodward, were ruled out, meaning Eagles had just four men and had to track just one rider in six races.
l Watt was on the end of a shocking decision from ref Dave Watters at the start of heat seven, effectively robbing him of one ride on a night when he was going well.
Watt, remember, is still suffering with a stiff neck after his recent lay-off.
Which left Pedersen and Bridger, plus guest Edward Kennett, as the only fully fit Eagles by the end.
Skipper Pedersen was so fed up he pulled out of heat 15, though the defeat and the bonus point, thanks to a 22-point home win, were decided by then.
The bonus was ensured by a battling win from Watt riding as lone Eagle in heat 12 as he cut back inside Billy Hamill from the start.
Kennett had a commanding double points success in heat 14.
Team boss Geer, whose men led 11-7 early on, said: "What really concerns me now is trying to get a team together against Coventry of all people.
"They are the only team who have taken us apart this year.
"With a collarbone, these days riders like Cameron come back quickly.
"But it's the ankle. If he has broken that he could be out for up to ten weeks, just at a time he was going really good too.
"I'll be on the phone to David and Deano. Both of them seem to have good days and bad days. Hopefully they are fit for Saturday and on form.
"Davey's average change happened coming up in the afternoon. That really caught us by surprise. Normally they give you more warning."
The series of mishaps almost certainly cost Eagles two points.
As it was, they allowed Wolves just one 5-1 and refused to buckle when, at eight points down with five races to go, it seemed even the bonus might be in jeopardy.
Freddie Eriksson picked himself up from being speared by Woodward, who got caught by a soft spot on the track, to drop just one point, to Pedersen.
He also beat the Dane in a well-contested heat 13.
Other than his unluckly retirement, when it was clear from replays he was taken out, Watt impressed.
Andersson took painkillers in an attempt to ride through injury and hopes to be fit by Saturday.
The Swede said: "My leg got stuck in the ground and I pulled a groin. It's an old injury of mine and I haven't had it for a while. But when something like that happens I'm in so much pain and it's impossible to ride a speedway bike.
"Then when Cameron goes out and you can't ride for him you feel so stupid.
"You didn't even fall off the bike but what can you do?"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article