A HIGH-SCORING display from reserve star Steve Worrall was not enough to prevent Swindon slipping out of the Elite League play-off places at Eastbourne on Monday.

Sky Sports Elite League

Eastbourne 53

Swindon Robins 40

The Robins were missing No.1 Peter Kildemand, who has been advised to rest for a week after suffering concussion in a fall at an event in Poland on Sunday.

The experienced Aussie Davey Watt was called

in as a guest to replace Kildemand but could manage only three points as Eastbourne leapfrogged the visitors in the table with this 53-40 success at the Arlington Stadium.

Worrall was the star performer in Sussex as he roared to four heat victories – following up triumphs in both reserves’ races by taking the flag in Heats 12 and 14.

Dakota North provided solid support to top-scorer Worrall with an eight-point shift, but Swindon struggled in other areas.

Team boss Alun Rossiter admitted: “Steve was absolutely outstanding and Dak rode very well, but we carried a few too many passengers.

“There was barely a passing move all night and we just weren’t quite quick enough from the gate on a lot of occasions.

“We’re involved in a four-team fight for the last two places in the play-offs and we certainly need to up our game, starting by taking all three points against Eastbourne on Thursday.”

The Robins saw their hopes of a consolation point go begging in the penultimate race as Nick Morris fell after clipping the kerb with his front wheel in the final corner.

In Heat 11 he was excluded following another heavy spill – the impact of which split open his helmet.

EASTBOURNE: Bjarne Pedersen 12+2, Joonas Kylmakorpi 12, Cameron Woodward 8+1, Timo Lahti 7+1, Mikkel Michelsen 7, Adam Ellis 5, Danny Halsey 2+2.

SWINDON: Steve Worrall 13+1, Troy Batchelor 9, Dakota North 8, Simon Gustafsson 4, Davey Watt 3, Nick Morris 2, Nathan Greaves 1.

THERE will be an evening of carnival-style entertainment on Thursday when Monday's victors Eastbourne are the visitors.

Gates will open 30 minutes earlier that usual at 6pm and there will be two riders by the turnstiles for photograph and autograph opportunities until 6.30pm.

There will also be live music from young singer/songwriter Charlie-Anne from 6.45pm.