PIRATES captain Hans Andersen backed boss Matt Ford's call to arms but insisted: "I have full trust in my team."

Poole's patchy start to the campaign continued when Belle Vue ended a 21-match unbeaten run at Wimborne Road that had dated back to April 2015.

The quality of the track was criticised in the aftermath but Ford was quick to hit back and warned his riders not to "keep living on excuses", particularly in reference to their winless away record in the Elite League.

Danish star Andersen was one of two Pirates chargers exempt from the promoter's ire on the back of his stand-out performances and adding 1.43 to his rolling green sheet average.

But while the recently-appointed skipper agreed with Ford's tough stance, he was adamant that the team's commitment on the road should not be questioned.

Andersen told the Daily Echo: "I would agree with Matt to a certain degree but to be honest, I wouldn't say there has been any negativity towards the away meetings.

"I have only noticed negativity at some of the home meetings but we should not be thinking about the track, we need to focus on our jobs and we haven't done that consistently.

"Okay, the track issue at Poole is not great at the moment but it is what it is, we have to get on with our jobs.

"We cannot be too focused on that because if you get into a negative vibe before you race it is no good.

"I would say the track needs some improvement but the guy working on it knows what the issues are. I spoke to him after the meeting on Monday so hopefully, together we can smooth things out a bit."

Pirates will have their work cut out at in-form Swindon today (4pm) against a side that racked up 50 points or more in five straight wins prior to Thursday's 45-45 draw at King's Lynn.

It kicks off a derby double-header with the return fixture taking place at Wimborne Road on Wednesday but Andersen reckons the Robins should not feel too sure of themselves.

"I hate losing and one of the biggest reasons I came to Poole was because I want to be in a winning team," he added.

"We started off pretty well, our form on the road has not been that good but we have had a few issues with riders being in and out of the team.

"I am not worried because championships are not won in May. I know my team is very strong and can beat anybody on any track on our day.

"We have to get into a good run of meetings and start winning, it is that simple. Everyone is a lot happier when they are winning races.

"We are a team. If one rider has an issue or is not performing at his best, it is the whole team's problem. Everyone is working behind the scenes to get the best out of everyone.

"I have full trust in my team and we will come good shortly and when that happens, no one will want to ride against us because we are such a good team, home and away."