Robins beware of the 'ex-men' (From Swindon Advertiser)

Robins beware of the 'ex-men'

7:30am Thursday 30th April 2009 in

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SWINDON Robins must beware the ‘ex-men’ tonight as they aim to grab top spot in the Elite League for the first time in 2009.

No fewer than four of the visiting Belle Vue line-up boast considerable Abbey Stadium experience and team boss Alun Rossiter refuses to regard the match as a ‘home banker’ despite the Aces’ lowly position in the table.

Thirteen points from five league fixtures represents a pleasing return for the Blunsdon men, but Rossiter still had chiding words after last week’s narrow away win at Coventry and hopes his side have got the message.

Rossiter, incensed that his line-up had allowed the Bees back into the meeting after holding a comfortable mid-point lead, explained: “My frustration that boiled over last Thursday was because we threw the meeting away twice before winning it.

“A couple of things happened that should not have and people didn’t do what was asked and we cannot afford to do that.

“Hopefully, the lads will have taken that on board now.’’ Aces beat surprise early-season strugglers Poole 45-43 at home on Monday, but have yet to win on their travels.

However, with ex-Abbey favourite Charlie Gjedde, 2004 Robin Krzysztof Kasprzak, of Poland, and young Brit James Wright, who rode for Swindon last year, returning as part of the Manchester side, along with 2005 team member Ulrich Ostergaard, the Blunsdon chief knows the visitors should not be underestimated.

“We’re confident in the run-up to it - but not over-confident,’’ he added.

“With those riders in their line-up, we’ll have it all to go for to carry on our own good form. And we’ll have to watch their number seven Patrick Hougaard too, especially as we won’t have Ryan (Fisher) ourselves.

“Riders like Charlie Gjedde, James Wright and Krzysztof Kasprzak have ridden plenty of laps at Swindon and will no doubt be among the points.

“We need to continue the positive momentum we’ve gathered so far this season and finish April on a high.’’ Cory Gathercole for Fisher is the only change to Robins line-up, with Simon Stead, Jurica Pavlic and Troy Batchelor at three, four and five in the team respectively.