SWINDON had their play-off hopes dented when they left Coventry empty-handed after a 53-40 defeat in a controversial Elite League meeting on Monday.

Sky Sports Elite League

Coventry 53

Swindon Robins 40

The Robins were already without injured No.1 Peter Kildemand and were forced to use rider rider replacement as they tracked six rather seven riders.

They then fell foul of referee Dave Robinson as the meeting at times turned into a farce.

Swindon were on the wrong end of two 5-0 whitewash races as the referee gave two-minute exclusions to Simon Gustafsson and Steve Worrall, both of which ironically caused further delays to the meeting. Both riders were on track and ready to race.

On the plus side, Robins gained a superb 8-1 to keep themselves in contention for a point, but Bees star Chris Harris was in stunning form in the latter stages of the meeting as the hosts notched all three league points.

Robins chief Alun Rossiter said: "Fair play to Coventry, the first thing I should say is congratulations to them.

"But I have to be careful what I say about the referee. I'm not making excuses, people watching on TV can make their own minds up, I don't need to say anything more.

"To have a sport I care passionately about dragged through such a shambles live on TV because of one man is regrettable.

"Now we move on and we have two big home meetings and we have to gain maximum points on Thursday and Monday, it's as simple as that."

Former favourite Hans Andersen will deputise for the injured Kildemand when the Robins face league leaders King's Lynn in a mouthwatering Elite League clash at the Abbey on Thursday.

COVENTRY: Chris Harris 12+1, Jason Garrity 12, Kyle Howarth 10+3, Hans Andersen 6, James Sarjeant 5, Michael Jepsen Jensen 5, Kenneth Hansen 3.

SWINDON: Dakota North 11+1, Troy Batchelor 9+2, Simon Gustafsson 7+1, Steve Worrall 7+1, Nick Morris 5+1, Nathan Greaves 1+1, Peter Kildemand R/R.