It never rains but it pours in 2008 for Wolves and this was proved again in their 60-30 mauling at Belle Vue.

Pre-meeting optimism evaporated when the visitors, already missing Jesper B Monberg because of a clashing Danish League fixture, arrived without Ales Dryml and Kenneth Hansen.

After six heats the Aces were no fewer than 18 points ahead, with skipper Fredrik Lindgren unable to get near the Aces pairing during his tactical double ride in heat 5.

The next disaster befell Wolves when Niels Kristian Iversen reared and crashed into the safety fence, sustaining shoulder injuries and ending his night.

On a night when the Kirkmanshulme Lane track favoured the fastest man out of the gate, Wolves’ misery was compounded when Lindgren crashed out of the final race, sustaining bruising and complaining of pains in his hand and wrist.

He is hoping to be fit to race for his Polish club Zielona Gora in a re-arranged league fixture tonight.

Monberg’s place was taken by Workington teenage star Joe Haines and he acquitted himself well with two second places.

Hansen’s place was taken by Redcar’s Chris Kerr, who put in plenty of effort but tried too hard and fell on several occasions.

The sole bright spot for Wolves was the form of Nicolai Klindt, who showed his liking for the Belle Vue track with a fine 12 points, including a win over Jason Crump in heat 10.

David Howe struggled on the slick surface and picked up just two points. He later revealed he had suffered broken bones in his foot in a crash in Poland on Sunday.

The pain resulted in his retirement from heat 8, on a night of thorough misery and disappointment for the travelling supporters.

For the Aces, Charlie Gjedde was at his best to record a flawless 15-point maximum, while Billy

Forsberg continued his flying form, as the Aces gained ample revenge for a narrow defeat at Monmore on Monday.