They built a 10-point lead to take to the return leg at Poole on July 21.
The Pirates will be favourites to go through judging by their massive home wins this season but the Autogate Aces certainly gave them food for thought with a battling display.
Ulrich Ostergaard, who has just returned to the club, rode like a demon to collect 10 points while young Aussie Josh Grajtzonek, called in because William Lawson has quit, rode his socks off for nine.
The Aces suffered a pre-match blow when Stockport rider James Wright was forced to pull out after crashing in a Polish League match on Sunday.
The Aces operated the rider replacement rule and scored a creditable eight points from his scheduled rides.
Aces chief David Gordon said: “This was an excellent result against a very strong team.
“It was a pity we didn’t win by a bit more but we’ll take 10 because they are such a very strong team.
“It will be very tough down there in the return but it was a marvellous match and this was as close as we have been to racing on all cylinders for
several weeks.”
The match was nip and tuck all the way through but the Aces put one hand on the victory in heat 13 when Peter Karlsson came through from last to
second to follow his teammate Hans Andersen home for full points.
Belle Vue: H Andersen 12, U Ostergaard 10, J Grajtzonek 9, P Karlsson 8, P Hougaard 6, L Lanham 5.
Poole: B Pedersen 10, D Ward 10, D Watt 5, C Holder 5, L Madsen 4, A Mroczka 3, J Doyle 3.
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It was a great meeting,plenty of passing,some very exciting races,think i will buy the DVD.
Fantastic result and some great racing.Well done to Ulrich Ostergaard who rode like a man possessed and to Josh Grajzonek who was sensational.A really gutsy performance which showed what can be done if they put their minds to it.
A great performance. However, I fear 10 points isn't quite enough to take to Wimborne Road. Watto, Holder and Madsen scored poorly and are likely to score another 10-12 combined points compared to last night.
Defensive tactics required for the second leg I think, and let's hope for another good showing.
Fantastic meeting last night, Great racing, good passing by both teams and a ACES win over the League champions elect. Ostergaard shown what the team have been missing most of the season, Guts and the will to win. Along with Grajczonek who is getting better and better!