SWINDON chief Ronnie Russell admits the absence of Grzegorz Zengota for the visit of Belle Vue tonight has come at a bad moment.

The Robins, who will miss Zengota as he is riding in Poland, have lost four of their last five Elite League meetings, and the club’s fans and promotion are desperate for the Blunsdon septet to return to form as soon as possible.

“It’s a blow and it comes at a time when we can ill-afford it,” said Russell, of the Pole’s absence.

“He has been our third best rider at the Abbey Stadium this season and we can’t get away from the fact we have to cover for him being missing.”

Russell’s concerns are heightened by the fact that club have not been able to recruit new riders in time for tonight’s clash, meaning that Zengota apart, the boss sticks with the same personnel that were defeated 51-39 by the Aces on Monday.

Danish duo Mads Korneliussen and Morten Risager have both lacked form in recent weeks and the club have been pursuing other options, so far without success.

With Zengota absent, Swindon will operate the rider replacement facility at number two with skipper Leigh Adams at the top of the order as usual.

Risager and Korneliussen both switch back a place to three and four respectively, while the in-form Simon Stead rides at five.

Thomas H. Jonasson makes his first home bow in over a month following his ban and is partnered at reserve by Jordan Frampton.

Belle Vue boss Chris Morton makes two changes to the side that secured victory against the Robins on Monday, with Tobias Kroner returning at four and William Lawson taking over from Josh Grajczonek at reserve.

Former Robin James Wright goes at two in partnership with skipper Hans Andersen, while Blunsdon specialist Patrick Hougaard rides at three and Swedish veteran Peter Karlsson at five.

Russell added: “When we hosted the Aces back in April, their squad was weakened due to the turmoil caused by the volcanic ash cloud.

“They track a stronger looking side (tonight) and will undoubtedly provide us with a much sterner test.”

  • FANS at the Abbey Stadium will witness Swindon’s ‘Y Factor’ winner Danielle Angliss perform this evening.

The 17-year-old beat many other local hopefuls in the competition for amateur singers.

She will perform some of her favourite tracks before the pre-meeting parade as well as during the interval.