It proved a perfect Easter for the promoters and fans as JT/FOX Oxford Cheetahs maintained their position at the top of the Sky Sports Elite League.

The Good Friday feast against Belle Vue was just what the doctor ordered for the promoters with a best-ever attendance under their stewardship of 2,147.

Cheetahs' Brian Andersen, left, and Belle Vue's Henka Gustafsson

The speedway action itself was nothing to write home about as Cheetahs ran out 59-41 winners against a disappointing Manchester side, who were expected to provide stiffer opposition, having won the first leg at Kirky Lane last month.

However, the Oxford fans won't have minded too much as there's no finer sight than the home riders strutting their stuff at Sandy Lane.

Delighted owner Steve Purchase, writing in his programme notes this week, says: "The score of 59 points was the largest for a very long time, witnessed by the largest crowd for a very long time. We failed to hit 50 points in any home meeting last season.

"Certainly, the team could not have done any better with the Aces totally blown away. There was not much passing, but what an atmosphere!

Large crowd

"I am sorry for the inconveniences caused due to the large crowd, we continue to learn and will improve things wherever we can.

"With the crowd being much bigger than we expected, and with access to the Stadium fairly limited, it did take a while to gain entry."

There were problems with car parking and the programme print of 1,000 was sold out early.

It appears the main moan about car parking is that anyone who wants to get away early - or straight after the meeting - is often blocked in, despite car parking spaces being marked out.

Anyone caught in that situation would be better off parking in the Unipart overflow park which is free and covered by CCTV cameras.

It just means that you have a short walk to the Stadium.

*Cheetahs take on second-placed Ipswich at Oxford Stadium tomorrow. The Witches are guaranteed to put up a stiffer fight than Belle Vue.

*Belle Vue's Swedish ace, Henka Gustafsson, was banned from last night's clash against Wolverhampton after missing the Aces meeting on Easter Monday.

He claims he had already agreed to ride for his Polish club before signing up for Belle Vue.