A DEPLETED Plymouth Devils side suffered a 51-42 Premier League defeat to Sheffield on Thursday night.

The Devils were without skipper Kyle Newman and reserve Stefan Nielsen because of injury.

Michael Palm Toft, guesting for Nielsen, had a busy evening taking a full allocation of seven rides and finished with 10 points, but the rider replacement facility, in operation to cover Newman’s absence, produced only one point.

Jack Holder had a successful evening for the Devils with 14 (paid 15) points, winning three of his five rides, including a six-point first place on a tactical ride.

There was also a useful contribution of 10 points from five rides from number one Brady Kurtz.

But the Devils missed out on a losing bonus point and remain five points adrift of a top six play-off position.

Sheffield: Simon Stead 16+1 (6 rides), rider replacement for Jason Garrity, Kyle Howarth 11+2 (6), Josh Bates 11+2 (5), Dimitri Berge 8+1 (5). Reserves: Arthur Sissis 3+1 (4), Nathan Greaves 2+2 (4).

Plymouth: Brady Kurtz 10 (5), rider replacement for Kyle Newman, Sam Simota 4+1 (5), Todd Kurtz 4+2 (4), Jack Holder 14+1 (5). Reserves: Michael Palm Toft 10 (7), Ellis Perks 0 (4).