Stead was Robins' joint top-scorer against Lakeside with Scott Nicholls

Swindon Robins captain Simon Stead returned from injury to lead his side to a 46-46 draw with Lakeside in their league season opener at Blunsdon.

The Robins took an early lead but were pegged back by the Essex outfit and managed to scramble an Elite League draw thanks to Scott Nicholls.

"We have to take the positives from this," said co-owner Gary Patchett.

"We were up and down but we have shown some encouraging signs and there was some good racing."

Patchett continued: "It looked as though we had the meeting in the bag at one stage but full credit to Lakeside, it was a good match and I'm sure we will catch up with everyone else with our form soon after our late start."

Swindon lost their opening two Elite League fixtures going down 62-30 at Belle Vue on Monday and 58-37 at King's Lynn on Wednesday.

And the Robins are still a man down because of the injury to Pole Grzegorz Zengota.

"We have been working hard at making a new signing, but for one reason or another it's not been possible," added Patchett.

"We have talked to several riders and the question of availability is the major factor, but we are still working on it."

Lakeside host Belle Vue on Friday night looking to make it two wins out of two in the Elite League campaign.

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