Swindon Wildcats boss Peter Russell has warned players and supporters to keep the faith as Wildcats continue their quest for a first home win in the English Premier League tomorrow.

Swindon host high-flying Chelmsford Chieftains at the Link Centre and Russell admits his players have been feeling the nerves after three straight defeats on home ice.

He said: "I'm not going to lie, some of my players are not playing to their full potential.

"When you're still looking for that first home win, people get nervous and do things they wouldn't normally do.

"But that happens in sport.

"It's my job as coach to make sure the players are relaxed and that they don't panic.

"I am trying my hardest for the club and I will continue to do the best that I can."

Last month's shock 8-1 victory over reigning champions Bracknell Bees raised expectations among many Wildcats fans, but Russell has urged supporters not to expect too much too soon.

Swindon's only other win to date was the 6-4 triumph at Romford last Sunday, and the Cats' coach insists patience is the order of the day.

He said: "We won at Bracknell and everybody thought we were going to win the league, but we kept quiet about that.

"We've already played the top three teams in the country from last year. That's not making excuses, it's the truth.

"Most other sides have a similar squad to last season, but with a few new additions. I've got 11 new players on the roster this year, so it is going to take a little time for the players to gel."

With second-placed Chelmsford due at the Link tomorrow (face-off 5.45pm), Russell knows his players must find that fluidity sooner rather than later.

And with just one EPL fixture this weekend, the coach says now is the ideal time to secure that first home win.

He said: "It's nice not to have a double-header because it means we can focus all our energy and intensity on this one game.

"Chelmsford have started well and they have one of the best first lines in the league.

"Their defence is strong too, but we have a better goaltender and better British players than they do. We have played quite well in some of the home matches this season so far but still got beat.

"I would rather my lads had an absolute stinker on Saturday and we still won. Anything to get that first home win.

"But I'm not certainly not panicking. It's a long, long season and there will be plenty of ups and downs along the way."