SPEEDWAY: McGowan vows to repay the faith (From Swindon Advertiser)

SPEEDWAY: McGowan vows to repay the faith

10:14am Saturday 7th June 2008 in Sport By Gareth Moorhouse

TRAVIS McGowan has pledged to repay the faith shown in him by the Swindon team management by helping the Robins to a fourth away win of the season at Eastbourne tonight.

The under-fire Aussie answered his critics in fine style with back-to-back heat wins in the 53-40 triumph over Peterborough on Thursday, and is looking for more of the same at Arlington Stadium.

McGowan admits he has been feeling the pressure following his indifferent start to life at Blunsdon, but the man from Mildura is determined to prove his worth.

"Things have been coming together for a few weeks now but perhaps I haven't quite had the luck on my side," he said.

"It's too easy to give criticism and to be honest it doesn't help anybody.

"Yes I have been feeling the pressure and it hasn't been nice. I have been trying my hardest but for whatever reason it hasn't happened for me.

"The team spirit has been great though. The boys have all had faith in me and I have the management to thank for giving me the support I needed.

"They have been terrific and now it's time for me to give back to them and do my job."

Robins' chief boss Alun Rossiter showed his ruthless streak on Thursday, axing misfiring reserve Theo Pijper for new recruit Manuel Hauzinger.

And though McGowan has had to endure his share of criticism, the impressive eight-point haul against the Panthers should be enough to keep the doubters off his back.

"It's a tricky vicious circle because when you're down everyone is on your back and you do try that little harder," admitted McGowan.

"I have had everything under control with myself though. Yes, I haven't quite been up to pace but that's all in the past and to be honest I'm sick of talking about it.

"We've underlined that now and from this point on I'm only talking about the future.

"I tried a new bike tonight, it's worked a lot better than in the past so it's a stepping stone in the right direction."

Tonight's trip to Eastbourne promises to be another mouthwatering encounter, with Robins guaranteed to be top of the Elite League tree whatever the result.

The Eagles edged the last meeting between the sides at Arlington 46-44, but McGowan insists Swindon can pull off another upset on the road.

He said: "I believe we can win at Eastbourne. We were very close and probably should have won last time.

"We tripped up right at the final hurdle, but it is definitely possible to go there and win.

"I am feeling much more positive about things now and hopefully I can contribute to another away success."

Eastbourne have drafted in a replacements for Lewis Bridger and Simon Gustaffson, both of whom are competing in a World Under 21 qualifying round.

Joonas Kylmakorpi replaces Bridger while recently appointed number eight Tomas Suchanek slots into the reserve department.

Swindon asset Lee Richardson returns to Eastbourne's line-up after a wrist injury.