Express & Star

Heathens urged to sign off in style

Cradley boss Will Pottinger has urged his side to go out with a bang as they host Eastbourne in their final home league meeting of the season at Monmore tonight (7.30).

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The Heathens are set to miss out on the Travel Plus National League play-offs but Pottinger says they are determined to give their loyal fans something to shout about.

They still have the second leg of their Knockout Cup tie with Belle Vue to take place at Perry Barr on Wednesday, October 27 while plans are in place to host their showpiece Golden Hammer individual event to close the season at Monmore Green in October.

But for the time being they are focused on seeing off the play-off bound Eagles in what is set to be another tough test.

“We’ll be looking to win our last home league match of the season,” Pottinger said. “Eastbourne are going to be strong opponents, and they aren’t towards the top of the league for no reason.”

Birmingham star Tom Bacon steps in as a guest for injured Tom Perry, whilst rider replacement covers the unavailable Joe Lawlor.

CRADLEY: Danny Ayres, Luke Harris, Joe Lawlor R/R, Richard Hall, Tom Bacon, Conor Dwyer, Joe Alcock, James Chattin (No.8).

EASTBOURNE: Jake Knight, Charley Powell, Josh Bailey, Tom Brennan, Georgie Wood, Charlie Saunders, Matthew Bates.

Patched-up Cradley were thrashed 60-28 at Mildenhall yesterday.

The Heathens headed to West Row with just Danny Ayres available from their regular contingent, and they were well beaten on a tough afternoon.

Guest Connor Coles impressed against his former club, while Ayres was also in the thick of the action throughout.

But they had no answer to the Fen Tigers and were second best from start to finish.

MILDENHALL 60: Jordan Jenkins 14, Connor Mountain 10+2, Drew Kemp 10+2, Jon Armstrong 10+1, Dan Halsey 9, Alex Spooner 7+3, Luke Ruddick r/r.

CRADLEY 28: Connor Coles 13, Danny Ayres 7, William O’Keefe 6, Joe Alcock 2+1, Jamie Bursill 0, Lewis Whitmore 0, Richard Hall r/r.