Cradley Heathens on form ahead of derby date with Birmingham
Cradley boss Will Pottinger believes Monday’s win over Buxton sets them up nicely for their local derby showdown with Birmingham at Perry Barr.
The Motor Market Heathens warmed up for their crunch clash with a strong all-around team performance to see off the Hitmen at Monmore Green.
Pottinger knows a much tougher test lies ahead as they make the short trip across the Midlands to face their local rivals.
But he insists they have what it takes to add to their Travel Plus National League tally and threaten to condemn the Brummies to their second straight home defeat.
Pottinger said: “It was a good win against Buxton, and there’s plenty to be positive about as we move onto Wednesday.
“We feel like we’re getting there, but we need a similar performance at Birmingham with everyone contributing.
“We need to minimise the number of last places, and if we can do that then I think we can come away with a result.”
The Heathens will be at full strength, with Tom Perry returning to the club where he won back to back league titles in 2015 and 2016.
Meanwhile, Birmingham bring in Alex Spooner to guest at reserve for the injured Kyle Roberts.
On Monday, Perry top-scored with 12+1 as Cradley produced a professional performance to see off the Buxton Hitmen 53-37.
The skipper led from the front and was involved in some spectacular racing, brilliantly rounding former Heathens captain Max Clegg to win heat four before his opposite number got revenge by snatching first place in heat 13.
No.1 Danny Ayres notched double figures but was left frustrated at the end of the night after crashing out of heat 13 while leading.
