THIRD time lucky was a phrase developed midway through the 19th century – just under a century before speedway was founded in Australia.

And no doubt Alun Rossiter will be hoping to have that good luck charm on his side both on and off the track tonight as Swindon Robins look to start their SGB Premiership play-off semi final first leg tie against Wolverhampton Wolves at the third attempt.

The semi-final clash was due to start exactly a week ago, but rain forced both clubs to put the tie’s first leg on hold for 72 hours.

Rain struck again on Thursday as the rescheduled first leg at the Abbey Stadium was postponed, meaning Robins’ trip to Monmore tonight remains the opening clash.

Light rain is forecast throughout the day in Wolverhampton. But should tonight’s fixture go ahead, Swindon will host the second leg on Thursday, October 10.

Rossiter said his septet shouldn’t fear travelling to Wolverhampton, particularly off the back of a weekend that saw skipper Jason Doyle secure his Grand Prix status for 2020 and be crowned the new Golden Helmet champion in Czech Republic.

The Robins chief said: “Going to Wolverhampton holds no fears for us.

“It will be tough, of course it will, but that’s what you expect in the play-offs and it would be tough against any of the other teams.

“We have the belief, and everyone has seen that with the run we went on. We probably should have finished top of the table, but we’ve already seen that can count for nothing with Poole going out.

“We’ve had a short break, which I don’t think is a bad thing, and we’ve just got to go up there and believe in what we do.

“Without setting targets, I do feel we can beat anyone over two legs, but obviously we respect Wolves and we know they’ve been in good form.”

No team other than Swindon or Wolverhampton will be more frustrated than Ipswich Witches, whose first semi final win over Poole Pirates seems to have happened an age ago.

Ritchie Hawkins’ side haven’t raced since last Saturday, and must wait at least another week before taking to track again.

Tapes are due to rise at Monmore Green at 7.40pm tonight with the meeting broadcast live on BTSport.

WOLVERHAMPTON: Masters, Howarth, Schlein, Morris, Thorssell, Douglas, Becker.

SWINDON: Doyle, Ellis, Musielak, Jensen, Batchelor, Perks, Vissing.