Rob Lyon is focusing on the bigger picture as King's Lynn look to bounce back from two defeats in a row.

The Stars suffered consecutive losses for the first time in 2014 last week but still have a 20 point lead at the top of the Elite League table. And even though those defeats at Swindon on Thursday and Eastbourne on Saturday slowed the Norfolk Arena juggernaut, the club's team boss is certain their history-making campaign won't go off the rails.

Lyon said: 'They're two tracks a lot of our riders haven't been to before, or ridden perhaps once. We had a few bike problems. But no excuses, firstly Swindon were the better team.

'We were disappointed not to come away with something having been four points ahead with five races to go. But that's the way it goes. At Eastbourne, the weather played its part. The track was tricky and we just didn't ride well as a team collectively, then, or over the two matches.

'All things considered it's a bit disappointing but it's not the end of the world. I'd rather us have a little blip now than in September (play-offs).'

The 50-40 reverse against the Robins was the Stars' maiden pointless fixture of the campaign. Rory Schlein, 10 paid 11, top scored for the first time as his form continues to improve. But it was the rapid pace of Swindon's Troy Batchelor which Lyon felt made the difference on the night.

'The difference was the boys lost their trapping gloves while Swindon got theirs,' commented Lyon.

'Troy Batchelor was the main instigator. He beat Niels (Kristian Iversen) three times after the interval which is most unusual. Hopefully it was a one-off and we can get back to winning ways on Thursday.'

The Stars also failed to collect anything at the weekend from a 49-40 loss against the Eagles. However, they have won all 12 of their home meetings and can extend their advantage over second-placed Lakeside by beating them at Saddlebow Road later this week.

'I guess it's asking a lot to go through a whole season these days picking up points all the time,' said Lyon, who is hopeful Lewis Rose (knee) could be back in action for the Hammers' visit after missing his team's two defeats through injury.

'If we can kick on and beat Lakeside that will take us past 60 points and by my calculations that should be enough to see us finish in the play-offs at the very least.'

Italy have qualified for the Speedway World Cup Event One at Lynn on Saturday, July 26. They will face Great Britain, Australia and USA.