SWINDON boss Alun Rossiter admits the alarm bells are ringing after a 56-34 defeat at Coventry.

Rossiter refused to offer any excuses on behalf of his under-performing side who were outclassed after taking a 5-1 lead from the opening race.

And when Rohan Tungate – a rider Rossiter admitted was looking at replacing a month ago – touched the tapes when going for double points, it summed up Swindon’s night.

A frustrated Rossiter said: “We weren’t good enough, I find it very frustrating and we have to find some consistency if we’re to make the play-offs.

“It’s hard to replace a rider like Stefan Nielsen at reserve and for yet another meeting we’ve been left short in that department.

“But when you look at individuals I’m worried about Nick Morris and Justin Sedgmen in particular, they aren’t doing their job for the team and it’s very worrying.

“The alarm bells are certainly ringing for me. Nick and Justin have always been great to work with, but they need to improve and get out of this worrying run.

“A month ago I was worried about Rohan, but at Coventry he did a job for the team, even though he messed up on the tactical ride.

“Now I’m worried about Nick and Sedgy, plus we are missing Stefan so we have to look at how we can improve.

“To sign a new rider I would have to bring in a big hitter and also a lesser rider, I’d have to make two changes, so it’s not a simple process.

“We need to take a long, hard look at ourselves before we get back in action next week.”

The M&S Van Rental Robins face reigning champions Poole in their next home meeting on Monday April 22 – but before then they head to King’s Lynn on Thursday August 18 and Belle Vue the following night.

COVENTRY 56: Josh Bates 13+1, Kacper Woryna 9+1, Krzysztof Kasprzak 8+1, Danny King 8, Jason Garrity 7+1, James Sarjeant 6+2, Chris Harris 5+2.
SWINDON 34: Jason Doyle 12+1, Rohan Tungate 8+1, Charles Wright 5, Nick Morris 4, Justin Sedgmen 3, Josh Grajczonek 2, Tom Perry 0.

Picture: JEFF DAVIES