SWINDON Robins team manager Alun Rossiter remains in bullish mood ahead of this evening’s SGB Premiership clash at home to Belle Vue Aces despite the leaders arriving at the Abbey Stadium fresh off the back of the biggest win in the league this season.

Belle Vue thrashed Peterborough Panthers 62-28 last Thursday and will travel to Wiltshire looking to strengthen their grip on the top of the table.

By contrast, Swindon sit second from bottom in the standings, although they have completed four fewer meetings than the Aces.

Although wary of the talent the Manchester side boast in their ranks, Rossiter says the Robins should not be overly unnerved by Belle Vue’s dismantling of Peterborough.

“We know Belle Vue are a good side, and I don’t want to take too much away from what they did, but I don’t think Peterborough were as strong as they could be for that meeting,” said Rossiter.

“Their number one, Hans Andersen, was out and they had someone who usually rides at number two in as a replacement.

“Obviously it was still a very good performance but there was nothing really there that should scare us.”

Swindon are racing tonight for the first time since June 6 after their scheduled meeting away at Ipswich Witches last Thursday was called off due to the wet weather, although Rossiter says the longer-than-expected break is of no real concern.

“Our guys are all still riding elsewhere, so I am not too worried by the break. I am comfortable with it,” said Rossiter.

“We shouldn’t have any more rain and there was work going on up at the track on Sunday, so hopefully the track will be in pristine condition.”

Tonight’s meeting marks a match-up between two Grand Prix stars as Swindon number one Jason Doyle faces off against fellow Australian rider and Belle Vue counterpart Max Fricke.

Both men reached the semi-finals of Saturday night’s Czech Republic GP, with Doyle going onto qualify for the final where he finished in fourth place – his best result of the opening three rounds of this season’s world championship.

Rossiter said: “Jason did well on Saturday night, but knowing him as I do, I am sure he will still be disappointed.

“But he got himself into a final, which is a real positive for him. He’ll come back to us in good spirits.

“Max Fricke is in great form too. He had a great Grand Prix on Saturday night and will probably feel harshly done by that he didn’t do even better.

“That match-up between Jason and Max will be excellent. We all know how good Max is and we are looking forward to seeing them race against each other.”