RONNIE Russell lavished praise on Scott Nicholls after the number one inspired his team to a gutsy losing point at Wolverhampton.

Swindon secured their first Elite League point of the season at the third time of asking in the 48-42 defeat at Monmore Green, and winter capture Nicholls played a huge role in the result, equalling the 13-point haul scored by his opposite number Freddie Lindgren, normally so dominant on his home track.

And speaking of last night’s meeting as a whole, team boss Russell said: “I’m delighted with it for more than one reason. The actual standard of Scott Nicholls to beat Freddie Lindgren twice was quite amazing, there won’t be many people that will do that. It was superb.

“He emphatically won heat 15, he was a quarter of a lap ahead and was really going.

“The reserves are riding well and although Tomasz Chrzanowski started off a bit poor, he suddenly came on stronger and stronger.

“There’s a lot of positives. We’re on the scoreboard and let’s hope this is the start of it now and the only way is up.”

On a heavy track, Freddie Lindgren brushed aside Nicholls in heat one as the hosts began in a positive manner.

But Russell’s pre-meeting wish that his own reserves would expose their opposite numbers came to fruition next, as Justin Sedgmen and the recalled Cory Gathercole wrapped up a simple 5-1.

Tai Woffinden cruised in well ahead next as the points were shared, before an early manoeuvre by still-suffering rib injury victim Simon Stead prevented a 5-1 in heat four.

Nicholls stole victory on the line from Woffinden next after being passed by the youngster early on, and the Robins found themselves level at 15-15 after five heats.

A tenacious effort from Sedgmen saw him lead Freddie Lindgren for a lap before the Swede hit back, and Tomasz Chrzanowski then suffered a similar fate at the hands of Peter Karlsson.

The visitors were on a 5-1 in heat eight thanks to Maciej Janowski and Gathercole, only for Ty Proctor to force his way between the pair on the back straight of the final lap.

Wolves then ground out a six-point advantage in the next three races, although Stead stopped a 5-1 in race nine after powering past Ludvig Lindgren into second.

Freddie Lindgren came from third to first next, charging in front of Chrzanowski on his way, and then Karlsson recorded his third race win.

But Chrzanowski continued his improvement on his disappointing previous meetings by zipping away from Wells and Ludvig Lindgren in heat 12.

The stage was then set for Nicholls to grasp his opportunity, and grasp it he did as he shredded the challenge of Freddie Lindgren and Karlsson.

Swindon desperately needed at least a 3-3 in race 14 and they got it, with Janowski just about holding off the challenge of the briefly lively Tyson Burmeister.

Showing considerable nerve, Nicholls nailed the gate in heat 15 as he again left Freddie Lindgren and Karlsson in the dust, ensuring Swindon took a point home from the West Midlands.

Meanwhile, Swindon are offering Bank Holiday discounts on tickets for the Sky Sports-televised meeting against Eastbourne on Monday, May 2.

All adult and concession tickets bought prior to the event date will cost just £10. Standard gate prices will apply on the night.

You can buy tickets through www.swindonrobins.co, via a link on the Eastbourne website, or at the Abbey Stadium on race nights.