Speedway: Swindon Robins chief Alun Rossiter paid a glowing tribute to arch rivals Coventry last night - but insists his team can still deny the Bees a clean sweep of speedway silverware.

Rossiter watched his men scrap for a 45-45 draw at Blunsdon in the first leg of the Knockout Cup final last night.

It means the Robins must win in the Bees' backyard in tonight's return.

A tough ask - although Swindon have triumphed there in both the Elite League and Craven Shield this term.

Rossiter said: "You could see tonight why Coventry are the Craven Shield and league champions - their camaraderie and team spirit in the pits was brilliant.

"We trailed early on but dug in deep and came back strongly.

"I am open minded about the second leg tonight as we won there last week by 15 points.

"It is just a case of which Swindon team will turn up."

Skipper Leigh Adam was the star of the show again last night 16 points plus a bonus from five individual heat wins.

But Swindon were let down by the lower order, with Charlie Gjedde, Andrew Moore and Damian Balinski all struggling.

They will need to find some form this evening if the Robins hope to end their wait for a top-flight trophy.