SIMON Stead has called on Swindon fans to give their full backing to Aussie duo Troy Batchelor and Jason Doyle, insisting both riders will come good sooner rather than later.

Despite the Robins’ impressive start to the season, Batchelor has scored just nine points in two Abbey Stadium meetings so far, although he did grab nine at Birmingham.

Meanwhile, Doyle has totalled eight points in two outings at Blunsdon, but Stead believes both riders will produce the big points soon on a consistent basis.

“We all have ups and down and the supporters have got to stay behind us all,” said Stead, who faces former employers Coventry alongside his teammates tonight.

“They have done that with me through thick and thin and I just hope they show the same sort of support to the rest of the guys.

“There are going to be nights when guys misfire, but they are both positive riders.

“Batch had a duff meeting (against King’s Lynn on Thursday), we all have them, but his performance at Birmingham was absolutely superb.

“He’s just had a bad day, but he’s a quality rider and he will come back stronger.

“Doyley has had a couple of race wins in both meetings he’s been here.

“He’s not done any practise and the laps that he’s having on track in meetings are the ones where he has to get dialled in, so it’s going to be difficult for him.

“He is taking a bit of time to get going but I think he’s finished both meetings that he’s had with us better than he started.”

Swindon will track exactly the same line-up that eased past King’s Lynn 50-43 on Thursday, with Stead, Hans Andersen, Nick Morris and Peter Kildemand all facing their old team in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

In addition, Robins boss Alun Rossiter goes up against the club he left in the winter having led them to Elite League glory the previous year.

For the Bees part, ex-Swindon number one Scott Nicholls is back at the Abbey while track specialist Chris Harris will provide some stiff competition for Batchelor up top.

Ticket prices for the meeting have been slashed to £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and free for under 16s.