TONIGHT’S MATCH PREVIEW

SWINDON are expecting their biggest crowd of the season as they go on a revenge mission against King’s Lynn at the Abbey tonight (7.30).

The Excalibur Communications Robins saw their unbeaten record ended by the Stars in Norfolk last night when they were forced to travel without skipper Hans Andersen.

Andersen was in Hungary for a European Championship meeting where he finished third – but Alun Rossiter’s men were unable to replace him with an Elite League guest.

He flies back into the UK this morning to take his place in the Swindon side for tonight’s mouthwatering Blunsdon showdown with a strongly fancied Stars side.

Said Rossiter: “We have to draw a line under last night and move on. We are looking to bounce back immediately in front of our own supporters.

“The weather forecast is good and it should be a perfect night for watching speedway and there is sure to be plenty of good racing.

“I’d urge everyone to get down to the Abbey and get behind the Robins. We are back to full strength and well and truly up for the challenge.”

SWINDON: Hans Andersen, Nick Morris, Peter Kildemand, Edward Kennett, Troy Batchelor, Ashley Birks, Kacper Gomolski.

KING’S LYNN: Niels-Kristian Iversen, David Howe, Mads Korneliussen R/R, Sebastian Alden, Rory Schlein, Richie Worrall, Stuart Robson.

DEPLETED ROBINS SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT

SWINDON’S unbeaten start to the defence of their Elite League title was ended with a 54-40 defeat at King’s Lynn on Wednesday.

But manager Alun Rossiter had praise for his side who went into the meeting without absent skipper Hans Andersen and were denied an Elite League rider to cover.

Troy Batchelor, Eddie Kennett and Peter Kildemand put in strong performances to lead the side – whilst Nick Morris made a solid contribution from the No.2 race jacket.

Yet with guest Lewis Blackbird inevitably struggling on his top flight debut plus reserves Kacper Gomolski and Ashley Birks making minimal impact the Excalibur Communications Robins were unable to earn a consolation point.

Rossiter said: “It was always going to be tough going there without Hans. Kings Lynn are strong side and they showed that tonight around their home track.

“Troy always seems to raise the bar when he steps in and tonight he was fantastic for us.

“Nick’s slowly getting there even though he’s having a ragged time with setups, but we’re hoping we can get him going very shortly.

“Peter and Eddie also rode well, but in the end we just didn’t have enough fire power there tonight.”

KING’S LYNN 54: Rory Schlein 13+1, Niels-Kristian Iversen 13, Seb Alden 10+1, David Howe 7+2, Richie Worrall 6+2, Simon Stead 5+3, Mads Korneliussen R/R.

SWINDON 40: Troy Batchelor 14, Peter Kildemand 10+1, Edward Kennett 8+2, Nick Morris 5, Kacper Gomolski 2+2, Ashley Birks 1, Lewis Blackbird 0.