SWINDON left Coventry empty handed after a 53-40 defeat In a controversial Elite League meeting on Monday.

Robins were on the wrong end of two 5-0 whitewash races on a night which at times was a farce.

Referee Dave Robinson was the centre of attention with two-minute exclusions for Simon Gustafsson and Steve Worrall, both of which ironically caused further delays to the meeting. Both riders were on track and ready to race.

On the plus side, Robins gained a superb 8-1 to keep themselves in contention for a point, but Bees star Chris Harris was in stunning form in the latter stages of the meeting to notch all three league points.

Robins chief Alun Rossiter said: "Fair play to Coventry, the first thing I should say is congratulations to them.

"But I have to be careful what I say about the referee. I'm not making excuses, people watching on TV can make their own minds up, I don't need to say anything more.

"To have a sport I care passionately about dragged through such a shambles live on TV because of one man is regrettable. Now we move on and we have two big home meetings and we have to gain maximum points on Thursday and Monday, it's as simple as that."

Former favourite Hans Andersen will deputise for the injured Peter Kildemand when the Robins face league leaders King's Lynn in a mouthwatering Elite League clash at the Abbey on Thursday.

COVENTRY 53: Chris Harris 12+1, Jason Garrity 12, Kyle Howarth 10+3, Hans Andersen 6, James Sarjeant 5, Michael Jepsen Jensen 5, Kenneth Hansen 3.
SWINDON 40: Dakota North 11+1, Troy Batchelor 9+2, Simon Gustafsson 7+1, Steve Worrall 7+1, Nick Morris 5+1, Nathan Greaves 1+1, Peter Kildemand R/R.
Elite League points: Coventry 3 Swindon 0