Swindon boss Alun Rossiter could not hide his frustration after suffering last-gasp heartache in a 52-38 defeat Knockout Cup semi-final against Belle Vue.
The Carpets4Less Robins took an 11-point lead to Manchester for the second leg – and they led by a single point entering the final race.
But the Aces struck a 5-1 in a last heat decider to seal a 52-38 success on the night and snatch a 91-88 aggregate victory to end Swindon’s hopes of a league and cup double.
It means attentions will now turn solely to the SGB Premiership, with Alun Rossiter’s side taking a two point advantage into their play-off semi-final second leg against Poole at the Abbey on Monday (7.30).
And a disappointed Rossiter admitted he had to shoulder some of the blame after their tense clash at the National Speedway Stadium.
“It’s just a feeling of frustration to be honest,” Rossiter said. “I probably have to take some criticism on the chin, because Bradley (Wilson-Dean) was able to ride but we’d already flown in Tomas H Jonasson to guest.
“He’d flown over with an engine just to ride for us, but it didn’t work out for us and that was the difference between us winning and losing it in the end to be honest.
“It’s disappointing, but we’ve got to pick ourselves up and focus on securing our place in the play-off final with a good performance on Monday.”
Guesting duo Jonasson and Brady Kurtz struggled for the Robins, whilst David Bellego also experienced a tough night before ending with a timely heat 14 win.
Adam Ellis and Nick Morris impressed to bag double figures plus Tobiasz Musielak put in a solid showing in the middle order.
Liam Carr also added a useful couple of points at reserve, but Belle Vue had too much firepower with 10 race wins to book their spot in the final.
BELLE VUE 52: Dan Bewley 13, Craig Cook 12+1, Kenneth Bjerre 11, Rohan Tungate 8+1, Hans Andersen 5+3, Steve Worrall 3, Ben Hopwood 0.
SWINDON 38: Nick Morris 10, Adam Ellis 10, Tobiasz Musielak 7, David Bellego 4, Brady Kurtz 3+2, Liam Carr 2+2, Tomas H Jonasson 2.
Belle Vue win 91-88 on aggregate
