OXFORD Spires saw their Premiership play-off hopes extinguished as they were beaten 48-42 at King’s Lynn Stars.

Belle Vue Aces’ 49-41 victory at Ipswich Witches to clinch their play-off spot, alongside Sheffield Tigers, Leicester Lions and Ipswich.

Stars opened with four successive heat advantage against Spires, cutting the aggregate gap to six points.

Oxford team manager Peter Schroeck introduced Maciej Janowski as a tactical substitute in Heat 5, and the Polish star joined Erik Riss for a 5-1.

Janowski also won Heat 6 after a last bend surge around Jan Kvech, while Spires guest rider Ben Trigger took third after holding off Anders Rowe.

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There was more Janowski magic in Heat 9, as he again produced a last bend overtake, this time rounding Patryk Wojdylo.

Stars though moved ahead 41-25 after 11 races, now just two points behind on aggregate.

Spires skipper Chris Harris claimed a crucial win in Heat 12, while Ashton Boughn picked up an important point in third.

Richard Lawson flew around Riss in Heat 13, with the race a shared 3-3, while Charles Wright and Boughen trapped in Heat 14.

Boughen rode the outside line to perfection, while Wright held off Lewis Kerr on the final bend to ensure a 5-1 for Spires, who clinched the aggregate bonus point.

Spires finished with a flourish in Heat 15, as both Harris and Janowski pushed inside Lawson on the opening lap, as Spires took a second successive 5-1.

Janowski top scored for Spires once more, with 14+2 from seven rides.