SWINDON Robins reserve Ellis Perks says his side must not fear Belle Vue Aces this evening despite the Manchester side sitting pretty at the top of the SGB Premiership table.

Belle Vue have won seven of 10 league fixtures so far this season and thrashed Peterborough Panthers 62-28 on home shale in their most recent outing last Thursday.

By contrast, Alun Rossiter’s Robins have picked up just two league wins in 2019, although they have contested considerably fewer meetings – only fulfilling six so far.

They currently sit second from bottom in the table, so victory over the Aces and a potential rise up the standings would be most welcome.

British youngster Perks knows Belle Vue’s quality cannot be doubted but has urged his Robins team-mates to prove their own class at the Abbey Stadium tonight.

“Belle Vue had a really strong performance against Peterborough last week and they will come down here full of confidence,” said Perks.

“They are a good side with some good riders and it’s going to be tough to go up against them, but a lot of fun too.

“Since Rasmus (Jensen) has come into our side, things have been going a lot better for us. We seem to be looking pretty strong and we know we are all capable of doing well.

“It’s important to make the most of your home meetings. You want to win them all, if you can. If you do that, and pick up a few points here and there on the road, then you’ll be in a good position.”

Tonight’s meeting will be just a fourth in Robins colours for Perks, having been drafted in to replace James Shanes less than two months into the season.

The 22-year-old produced a strong showing for Swindon when they last raced at the Abbey, scoring 8+1 points in a 50-40 win over King’s Lynn Stars, and is starting to feel right at home at his new club.

Perks said: “I have needed a bit of time to get to grips with the new track at Swindon, but I am enjoying it and everyone at the club has been really welcoming and helped me out a lot.

“I struggled a little bit in my first meeting, but I think I have found a set-up that works there now. Hopefully I can go from strength to strength.”

Swindon have not ridden since that win over the Stars on June 6, with last Thursday’s schedule trip to Ipswich Witches postponed due to the wet weather, so Perks is eager to get racing again.

“It was a shame we didn’t ride last week but it can’t be helped. It’s just one of those things that you have to contend with in British speedway,” said Perks.

“We have had a pretty poor time of it weather wise recently but there is nothing you can do about it.

“Hopefully it clears up for Monday and we will be all good to get out there again.”