SWINDON collected an Elite League point from a 46-44 defeat at Belle Vue on Monday – but there was no doubting their frustration following a dramatic finale.

The Excalibur Robins dominated for much of the meeting but two 5-1s in the last two races for the home side turned things in their favour – with former Swindon star Matej Zagar coming up trumps for the Aces.

Early 5-1s in Heats 1 and 3 helped the Robins steam into a convincing lead, and they extended the advantage to ten points in Heat 7 – with the Aces responding with a 5-1 in Heat 8, but not using the tactical ride facility, which appeared to be crucial.

When Nick Morris and guest Rory Schlein got the better of Magnus Zetterstrom and Kauko Nieminen for a 5-1 in Heat 11, the Robins led 37-29 and the home side made little progress in the next two races, with just a 4-2 to show for their efforts.

But then Nieminen and Kevin Wolbert team-rode Edward Kennett out of contention in Heat 14 to give the Aces renewed hope, and the remarkable turnaround was completed by Zagar and Craig Cook in Heat 15 ahead of Schlein and Troy Batchelor.

Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “It’s a point, but we’re disappointed. It was a match of two halves, we started fantastically well but they adapted to a tricky track better in the closing stages, whilst we made too many mistakes.”

BELLE VUE 46: Matej Zagar 13, Craig Cook 10+1, Kauko Nieminen 10, Ales Dryml 5+3, Kevin Wolbert 5+1, Magnus Zetterstrom 3, Artur Mroczka 0.

SWINDON 44: Peter Kildemand 9+1, Rory Schlein 8+2, Troy Batchelor 8+2, Nick Morris 8+1, Edward Kennett 6+1, Ashley Birks 5, Kacper Gomolski 0.