SWINDON Robins crashed at the final hurdle in their bid to reach the Elite League play-off finals on Friday night.

In a winner-takes-all decider to determine the fourth and final play-off slot, the Robins were humbled 58-35 by Lakeside Hammers in Essex.

A night to forget in Purfleet ended their run of four consecutive play-off appearances.

The 2012 champions rarely threatened to secure the single point they required to join Belle Vue, Poole and Wolverhampton in the semi-finals with only skipper Jason Doyle and reserve Charles Wright mustering heat wins on the night.

“It was a massive disappointment and we were not good enough,” said Rossiter. “Without making excuses, the track was atrocious and that was nothing to do with the weather. It was the same the last time we went there.

“Even the world number-two struggled to get around and that told its own story but we didn’t adapt to it and they did.

“To be honest, we were lacking in support at second string and heat leader to back up Doyley all year and our reserves struggled towards the end of the season.

“One rider would have a good meeting, another would have a poor one and it would swap around from week to week. We didn’t click all at once and if we had, we would have battered teams.

“It is all very raw at the moment but we are already starting to work on building a team around Doyley for next season.

“He will have a say and we will get our heads together to see what we can bring to Swindon.”

Asked whether he anticipated a big shake-up, Rossiter replied. “I think so, yes.”

LAKESIDE 58: Kim Nilsson 13, Scott Nicholls 10+3, Edward Kennett 9+2, Lewis Bridger 8+1, Richard Lawson 7+3, Lewis Kerr 6, Ben Morley 5+1.

SWINDON 35: Jason Doyle 15, Charles Wright 9+1, Josh Grajczonek 4, Justin Sedgmen 3+1, Rohan Tungate 2, Nick Morris 1, Stefan Nielsen 1.