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Lakeside's Kelvin Tatum full of praise for Doyle and the Robins
Following Swindon Robins' 50-40 home victory over Lakeside Hammers, Total Sport's Ryan Walker crossed over to the opposition pits to get the final word from Lakeside boss Kelvin Tatum.
A close night of racing saw Swindon’s lead on the night reduced to just two points at times, and Tatum explained that despite the defeat there were positives to take away for the Hammers.
“We competed really strongly tonight,” Tatum began.
“We got close on the night but unfortunately not close enough.
“It was a competitive meeting, a little bit frustrating at times because we looked like we might be able to pick something up from this meeting," he said.
A difference of ten points separated the two sides and Tatum insists that the difference between the two teams on the night was down to the Swindon riders picking up big points at the most crucial of times.
“The difference tonight was that at important times the Swindon riders were much stronger,” Tatum explained.
“I think quite clearly your number one [Jason Doyle] was outstanding this evening in getting his maximum.
“I felt that we just needed one more rider amongst the points and we could of picked up at least a league point tonight," he added.
In recent times the Lakeside Hammers have always been a team who struggled to pick up points away from home, however an away win at Leicester and a close fought battle away at the Robins on Thursday gives Tatum encouragement that more away wins will soon come.
“It is definitely positive and is very true that we are competing very strongly in away meetings,” admitted Tatum.
“It’s just frustrating that we’re not quite getting any rewards for those efforts.
“I’m sure those away points will come soon as we are putting ourselves in some really good positions and we just need to keep pushing," he stated.
Being at the top of the Elite League table for the majority of the season so far, many would expect the Lakeside riders to be feeling the pressure. But Tatum insists that his riders are totally relaxed and just enjoying their racing.
“I don’t think there is too much pressure on the riders if I’m honest," replied Tatum.
“I do believe that all my riders are enjoying their speedway racing for Lakeside this year.
“There is a really good feel factor within the team and we are all enjoying the fact that we have got off to such a good start," he noted.
While defeat was hard to take for Kelvin Tatum and his Lakeside riders, he gave full credit to the Swindon riders - reserving some special praise for the Robins’ number one, Jason Doyle.
“There is no doubt that when you have an inspirational rider such as Jason Doyle that will be infectious and spread throughout the team," said Tatum.
“In truth I think that this is where the Swindon Robins are at.
“They are a good strong looking team and I think they just under-performed at the start of the season," Tatum added.
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