Oxford Silver Machine 48, Peterborough Panthers 42: The Oxford Silver Machine moved back into top gear with a much-needed win over Peterborough Panthers in last night's Sky Sports Elite League clash at Oxford Stadium.

And they did it without top Dane Nicki Pedersen, who suffered a groin strain after a meeting in Sweden on Tuesday.

Skipper Todd Wiltshire produced an inspired performance, finishing on 15 points, and was well-supported by Seb Ulamek (paid 12), Charlie Gjedde and Craig Boyce.

With Pedersen out, Silver Machine boss Nigel Wagstaff had no alternative but to use rider-replacement, with every team member available to take a ride.

Swedish Grand Prix winner Ryan Sullivan's body language before the meeting spelled out how he felt about riding three days before Saturday's big British GP, but it didn't stop him running away from Wiltshire in the opener.

However, home fans had plenty to cheer when Gjedde pulled one of his massive wheelies down the home straight after taking the flag in his first ride.

And it was the Dane who came in as the first substitute for Pedersen in heat four. He rode well, but couldn't stop Hans Andersen.

The Silver Machine began to motor after that as Ulamek and Boyce walloped in a 5-1, quickly followed by two straight wins from the impressive Wiltshire, who clearly showed Cardiff wasn't on his mind.

That allowed the Panthers to bring in a tactical sub, but a fighting performance from Travis McGowan put paid to their hopes of making any progress.

Peterborough brought in another tactical in Sullivan for heat 10, and it produced the best race of the night. Sullivan got the drop on Wiltshire out of the gate and looked home and dry, but the Oxford man kept hacking away at his exhaust pipe, and a storming run off the final bend saw him flash past Sullivan for a memorable victory.

The Silver Machine were making good use of the Pedersen relacements as Ulamek grabbed a second behind Sullivan, the home side going into the break 36-30 to the good.