Nicholls calls for calm after big defeat for Eagles

8:56am Wednesday 30th April 2008

Scott Nicholls has urged Eastbourne Eagles fans not to panic after seeing their side suffer three heavy defeats.

The early-season leaders have slipped off the pace after double-digit setbacks at Poole and Ipswich last week followed by Monday's 56-37 hammering at leaders Swindon, which was televised live.

Swindon travel to Arlington on Saturday clearly believing they can score another away win.

Nicholls, who lifted Eastbourne spirits at Blunsdon with three classy wins, knows a home victory is essential for his team in what looks to be potentially the best meeting at Arlington so far this season.

He played down the 19-point reverse at a Swindon track which, at 363 metres, offers a different test to tight, tricky Arlington.

Nicholls said: "In some respects I'm not surprised. We know how strong Swindon can be and it's a big home track advantage.

"I just think some of the boys are having a tough time at the moment.

"We haven't got the best record on the road but we aren't going to worry too much. It's still early days in the league.

"If we keep winning our home meetings that will get our confidence up.

"It is important to win on the road as well and we've got a couple of tracks coming up that hopefully might suit us better.

"It's just a case of everybody keeping as positive as they can and doing the best they can.

"We know we can keep winning at home because we are strong there."

Nicholls insisted he was not surprised to see Swindon, tipped by many to struggle this season, get off to a good start but he warned they might not stay top of the table.

He added: "They have got very good riders. They have got a side who can be very good at home and not so good away.

"I'm not saying they can't perform because every dog has its day and there will always be surprises.

"They have had a good run on the road but I think the way the league is this year everybody will have good and bad moments.

"Hopefully we are having our bad time now and we can shake it off as quickly as possible and get back to winning."

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