SWINDON missed out on the chance to strengthen their grip on fourth place in the Elite League table as they slipped to a 51-39 defeat at Wolverhampton.

The M&S Van Rental Robins put in a battling display at Monmore Green against a Wolves side who thrashed King’s Lynn 61-29 earlier in the evening.

Inspirational skipper Jason Doyle struck a dominant maximum in the No.1 spot but it was not enough to see them claim a consolation point.

The Robins remain well-placed to reach the Elite League play-offs with a four-point advantage over fifth placed Lakeside.

But team boss Alun Rossiter admitted he was frustrated to leave the West Midlands empty handed leaving them needing a home win over basement club Leicester on Thursday (7.30).

“We’re pretty disappointed,” said Rossiter. “We thought we were in with a shout halfway through the meeting, but Wolves came strong in the end and it wasn’t to be.

“It doesn’t help when the reserves don’t score many points and that gave us too much to make up for to be honest.

“It’s frustrating because it’s no good getting to the play-offs and just getting knocked out. If we come back here in the play-offs we’ll need to win, and tonight wasn’t good enough.

“We know we have to step it up if we get to the play-offs, but we just have to focus on a must-win meeting at home on Thursday now to make sure we get in the top four.”

Doyle was untouchable in his four rides, whilst Rohan Tungate continued his fine form to also notch double figures.

Aussie trio Nick Morris, Josh Grajczonek and Justin Sedgmen all chipped in with solid points despite experiencing mixed evenings.

But Charles Wright earned little reward for some exhilarating racing whilst Stefan Nielsen struggled to make an impact.

WOLVERHAMPTON 51: Chris Harris 11+2, Max Clegg 9+2, Peter Karlsson 9+1, Tai Woffinden 8, Kyle Howarth 6+1, Freddie Lindgren 4+1, Jacob Thorssell 4.
SWINDON 39: Jason Doyle 12, Rohan Tungate 10+2, Nick Morris 5+1, Josh Grajczonek 4+1, Justin Sedgmen 4, Charles Wright 2, Stefan Nielsen 2.