WINTER recruit Emil Grondal is starting to feel at home at Swindon Robins after recording his first two wins in the top tier of British speedway last Saturday.

Grondal twice took the chequered flag as the Robins won 49-41 away at Rye House Rockets to take control of their Knockout Cup first round tie, which gives Alun Rossiter’s side a hefty advantage for this evening’s second leg at the Abbey Stadium.

Danish youngster Grondal was a doubt to even feature in the first leg against the Rockets after heavy fall in the SGB Premiership clash against Belle Vue Aces two days prior, but was glad he decided to dust himself down and get back on the bike.

“I got a big buzz last Saturday, especially after I had a really hard crash against Belle Vue,” said Grondal.

“There are some bruised ribs and one of them has a little crack in it, so I was feeling a bit sore.

“We didn’t really know if I could race or not but we decided to go for it and I am happy we did. It’s given me a big confidence boost.

“It’s more fun to be at the front than it is being last. We tried some new engines and took a bit of a gamble to try something new - it looks like it worked.

“It is a new challenge for me. I am not quite used to this racing so I need to build up my confidence.

“I want to prove to the boys, but mostly to myself, that I can be in this game, that I can perform well.”

Victory in the away tie against Rye House was Swindon’s first win of 2017 and after breaking their duck in style, Grondal has no doubt they will not let their hefty cushion slip tonight.

“It was nice to finally get a win, everybody did great. We went there as the underdogs and I think we did well,” said Grondal.

“Hopefully we can finish the job at home. It’s a tough league and there are a lot of good riders but you just have to concentrate on your own team and your own bikes.

“Last Saturday was just my third meeting at this level and getting some good points on the board was what I needed. I am ready for Thursday now and hopefully we can have another win.”

Swindon will again operate rider replacement for the injured Adam Ellis tonight, whilst Rye House will be at full strength.

SWINDON: Jason Doyle, Bradley Wilson-Dean, Adam Ellis R/R, David Bellego, Nick Morris, Emil Grondal, Zach Wajtknecht.

RYE HOUSE: Edward Kennett, Stuart Robson, Chris Harris, Davey Watt, Scott Nicholls, Robert Branford, Ellis Perks.

FOLLOW SPEEDWAY LIVE WITH MATTHEW EDWARDS FROM SWINDON ROBINS V RYE HOUSE ROCKETS TONIGHT FROM 7PM AT SWINDONADVERTISER.CO.UK/SPORT