ALUN Rossiter was left slightly frustrated despite guiding his patched up side to a surprise away victory at Leicester.

The Robins defied the absences of top two Peter Kildemand and Troy Batchelor to win 47-45 at Beaumont Park, against a Lions side expected to secure an easy home victory.

However, with the Robins’ 12-point lead after heat 10 eventually narrowed to just two by the end of the contest, Rossiter was not only frustrated to see maximum points go begging but was also concerned to see his side let yet another big lead slip.

“It was brilliant and I’m really proud of the boys because nobody gave us a chance in this one,” he said.

“Sam (Masters) was a good guest for us and I’m really pleased for him. It could have been even better for us but Nick’s (Morris) plug cap came off in heat 13. All in all everyone stepped in and did well.

“Stevie Worrall was great for us and Simon (Gustafsson) started off like a train, he tailed off at the end but he’d already done a good job.

“I’m frustrated though because we had a last minute collapse again. I should be happy but we have to address that last minute collapse because it really isn’t good enough.

“Going to sleep in the last corner isn’t good enough and we have to find a way to stop doing it.

“From a night like this, though, we have to take it for what it is and make sure we carry on doing what we’re doing.”

All the build-up to the meeting focused around whether the Lions should allow the fixture to go ahead given five riders were missing, but the enthusiasm and appreciation shown by the Leicester crowd ensured all Rossiter’s frustration and anger was quickly put to one side.

“I have to say the supporters were fantastic, I’ve never seen so much applause and appreciation for us,” he said.

“That was really nice and it took the sting out of everything in the build-up. It was really nice and I take my hat off to the Leicester supporters.

“They’re a welcome addition to the league and it’s great to have them.”