SWINDON Robins will look to assert their dominance on the SGB Premiership Supporters’ Cup southern group this evening when hosting top-tier returnees Ipswich Witches at the Abbey Stadium (7.30pm).

Following Thursday’s thriller at home to Poole Pirates – which ended in a 45-45 draw – the Robins are flying high after thumping the Dorset side by 16 points at Wimborne Road on Good Friday.

That result rocketed Alun Rossiter’s side to the top of the four-team southern group, and victory over Chris Louis’ Witches on home shale tonight could establish a handy five-point lead at the top of the table with half of their group stage meetings raced – although King’s Lynn Stars and Poole do have a meeting in hand each.

After an encouraging performance at Wolverhampton Wolves in their season opener a week ago, Thursday’s home thriller and a south coast demolition job, the last week has perhaps been Robins’ most positive since they lifted the SGB Premiership crown in 2017.

Team manager Rossiter said: “It’s been a good week, everything is positive – and we’re still settling.

“Hopefully Dawid (Lampart) will get sorted out and we can get the reserves (Zach Wajtknecht and James Shanes) going too.

“We want a bit more dirt on the starting gates on Monday, because the reserves struggled to get going off the slick. Hopefully there will be a bit more in it for them.

“Ipswich is a very well-run and professional club – Chris Louis does a great job.

“I look forward to it, and it marks the return of David Bellego – I’m sure he will enjoy the new track.

“I didn’t really want to get rid of David, but speedway is an averages game and sometimes you have to make decisions and stand by them.”

The Witches will be led by British favourite Chris Harris at the Abbey Stadium, after his recovery from a recent injury.

Meanwhile, Rossiter admits additional practice on the new Abbey track is not necessary for his side, who adapted to conditions quickly and have already established a correct set-up.

Rossiter added: “Hopefully we’ll pick up some more points. The riders are raving about our new track, and said it put Poole’s to shame.

“But on a hot and sunny day it is tough unless you flood it everyday – and even then you’ll have problems as it will be like an ice rink.

“The riders will be fine once they’ve had a couple of meetings, I don’t think more practice is needed by the boys.”