ROBINS' Elite League ambitions were dealt a double blow last night.

Alun Rossiter's men lost 52-41 at Coventry, hours after it was confirmed that Sebastian Alden will miss the rest of the season through injury.

Doctors at Great Western Hospital revealed the Swedish reserve had broken his heel after a heavy heat seven crash in Thursday night's 45-45 draw against Belle Vue at Blunsdon.

It rules him out of Swindon's bid for title glory, although the Abbey Stadium management do at least have breathing space as far as recruiting a replacement is concerned with the World Cup taking place next week.

Rossiter could not disguise his disappointment at the Alden blow, admitting: "It's so hard on Seb, he's been doing really well this season.

"He'd shown great improvement in 2008 and impressed everyone with his commitment to the club.

"We're looking to replace him now and, in a way, it's good the World Cup is on because it gives us some time.'' Fellow reserve Manuel Hauzinger bruised his upper leg after his crash on Thursday, but should be fit for the fixture at Ipswich on Monday week.

Isle of Wight's Krzysztof Stojanowski and Berwick's Paul Clews guested last night, but Robins failed to regain top spot, despite leading by 11 points after five heats.