Boss Pottinger out for revenge
Cradley boss Will Pottinger wants to recapture local bragging rights as they host Birmingham in a huge local derby at Monmore Green tonight (7.30pm).
The Motor Market Heathens suffered a humbling 57-33 defeat when the two sides met at Perry Barr back in July.
But Pottinger has urged his side to restore some pride and keep their Travel Plus National League play-off hopes alive in a must-win encounter.
“We’ve got to win all of our home matches now to stand any chance of getting into the play-offs, so we need a win against Birmingham on Monday,” said Pottinger.
“It’s a massive meeting, not just for our play-off chances but also to get some local pride back because we got spanked at their place early in the season.
“We need to put things right, and I feel we’re a stronger team since that defeat with Richard Hall coming in.”
The Heathens draft in Paul Bowen to guest for the injured Tyler Govier at reserve, while rider replacement covers for the unavailable Joe Lawlor.
Meanwhile, Birmingham utilise rider replacement for David Mason plus Alex Spooner again steps in at reserve.
Teams:
CRADLEY: Tom Perry, Luke Harris, Joe Lawlor R/R, Richard Hall, Danny Ayres, Conor Dwyer, Paul Bowen.
BIRMINGHAM: Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, David Mason R/R, Layne Cupitt, Tom Bacon, Liam Carr, Alex Spooner, Taylor Hampshire.
