Graham Drury has vowed to keep Birmingham’s season alive – despite their latest injury setbacks.

Just as the BRC Roofing Brummies tracked a full seven-man team for the first time in eight-weeks, both Adam Roynon and Phil Morris crashed out in the first heat of the Knockout Cup clash at Rye House.

Morris suffered a dislocated shoulder which needed an operation early on Sunday morning and Roynon has suffered a broken leg and knee damage.

Manager Drury said: “People have been sending text messages and calling us saying how unprecedented this all is. I am normally the most positive promoter in the world, but with all the injuries and all the rain-offs it’s a tough time for the club right now.

“This is the worst I have ever known in all my time in speedway. We went to Rye House with a full seven-man team for the first time in a long time and then this happens in the first race, I really just cannot believe it.

“But the challenge for us now is to remain competitive. I will, once again, scour the world for talent, I have been known to pull a few rabbits out of the hat. Having said that, there are no rabbits in the hat at the moment!

“If any team thinks they are coming to Perry Barr to take on a depleted Birmingham side and take a gift three-points, they had better think again. We have a determined bunch of riders and we are ready to work hard to keep us going as a team.

“We still have the strong presence of Craig Watson and Jason Lyons at the top end of the team and they are a match for anyone, so we have to stay as upbeat as we possibly can.”