SWINDON were pegged back to a 46-46 draw by Lakeside in an opening night thriller at Blunsdon.

Robins are still a man down because of the injury to popular Pole Grzegorz Zengota and they used the rider replacement facility as they continue their search for a new signing.

Skipper Simon Stead made an impressive return from injury and looked good early on as the home side romped into a comfortable lead.

But Lakeside staged a dramatic comeback and were good value for the draw with home debutant Scott Nicholls pulling off a spectacular Heat 15 move to salvage a draw for Swindon.

Robins co-owner Gary Patchett said: “We have to take the positives from this, we were up and down but we have shown some encouraging signs and there was some good racing.

“It looked as though we had the meeting in the bag at one stage but full credit to Lakeside, it was a good match and I’m sure we will catch up with everyone else with our form soon after our late start.

“And we have been working hard at making a new signing, but for one reason or another it’s not been possible. We have talked to several riders and the question of availability is the major factor, but we are still working on it."

SWINDON: Scott Nicholls 9+1, Simon Stead 9+1, Maciej Janowski 8+1, Justin Sedgmen 8, Josh Grajczonek 7+2, Tomasz Chrzanowski 5+1, Grzegorz Zengota R/R.

LAKESIDE: Lee Richardson 14+1, Adam Shields 8, Kauko Nieminen 7+3, Lewis Bridger 7, Robert Mear 6+2, Piotr Swiderski 4, Lubos Tomicek 0.