Oakes says Swindon knew about the line-up well in advance

Peterborough Panthers director of speedway Peter Oakes has dismissed claims they fielded an "illegal" side against Swindon in the Knockout Cup.

The Robins were 49-41 winners in Thursday's quarter-final but boss Ronnie Russell was left fuming after the Panthers used two guest riders.

Russell felt absentee Troy Batchelor could have featured in the meeting.

But Oakes told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "We're confident with our grounds. We had full clearance."

Batchelor missed the meeting so he could attend World Championship qualifiers scheduled for Friday, however Swindon stars Morten Risager and Mads Korneliussen made the clash despite also preparing to compete in Hungary the next day.

We're never surprised by anything Swindon do Peterborough Panthers director of speedway Peter Oakes

With Niels-Kristian Iversen injured Panthers brought in Adam Shields and Edward Kennett as facility riders, a move that infuriated Russell, who put in an official protest.

"What they had tonight, we believe, was an illegal line-up," he told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

"Tonight we rode against the Peterborough-select. But they really did dig their heels in and rode their hearts out."

Oakes however is adamant he has nothing to worry about, after getting the go-ahead from the British Speedway Promoters' Association to make the changes.

"We were actually given that permission on 4 June," he said.

"We notified Swindon of the team on Sunday; they raised no objection whatsoever.

"They suddenly decided a couple of hours before the meeting to object to the team. You don't go and bring in a rider unless you have full clearance, and we had full clearance."

Asked if he was surprised by Swindon's protest, Oakes said: "Not really, we're never surprised by anything Swindon do."

The controversy failed to hide another disappointing Panthers away performance, with the Alwalton side only winning one meeting on their travels this season.

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