PATCHED-up Swindon slipped to their third defeat in the space of a week as they went down 51-39 at Lakeside.

It was another disappointing night for the M&S Van Rental Robins to cap off a tough week which has dealt their play-off hopes a major blow.

They travelled to Purfleet without Josh Grajczonek, Rohan Tungate, Charles Wright and Stefan Nielsen - and despite a battling performance their depleted side could not claim a consolation point.

Two Lakeside 5-1s in the opening three races left them on the back foot - and although they were always within touching distance of a point they eventually missed out.

Despite leaving with nothing to show for their efforts, team boss Alun Rossiter was nonetheless keen to focus on a number of positives at the notoriously tough Arena-Essex Raceway.

Said Rossiter: “We were already going there depleted, and rider replacement didn’t really work for us unfortunately.

“It was a shame we couldn’t get a point, but looking at the positives, Nick (Morris) was back to his old self and Doyley was also superb. Full credit to Stuart Robson as well, he was a great guest for us down at reserve.

“It’s been a tough week for us but there were some positive signs tonight, and if we can get Sedgy (Justin Sedgmen) firing again we should be fine.”

Skipper Jason Doyle top scored with a typically classy performance, ending his evening with impressive wins over Andreas Jonsson in heats 13 and 15.

Nick Morris also enjoyed a welcome return to form as he recorded three race wins, whilst guest Stuart Robson put in an all-action performance against his former club at reserve.

However, former Lakeside man Justin Sedgmen endured a night to forget whilst guesting duo Bjarne Pedersen and Danny Ayres also struggled to make an impact as the visitors ran 10 last places.

The Robins remain third in the Elite League table heading into the World Cup break and will return to action when they host King’s Lynn in a vital clash at the Abbey on Thursday, August 4 (7.30.

LAKESIDE 51: Andreas Jonsson 12+1, Edward Kennett 11+2, Kim Nilsson 7+2, Richard Lawson 7+1, Lewis Kerr 6+1, Lewis Bridger 5+1, Rob Mear 3.
SWINDON 39: Jason Doyle 12, Stuart Robson 12, Nick Morris 11+1, Bjarne Pedersen 2, Justin Sedgmen 1, Danny Ayres 1, Rohan Tungate r/r.

Elite League points: Lakeside 3 Swindon 0