Cradley Heathens off the pace

Will Pottinger’s men were forced to travel to Smallbrook with just two of their usual side due to injuries, writes Rich Jones.

And they were no match for the struggling Warriors, who earned their second straight home win with a convincing display.

It means Cradley have suffered three straight heavy defeats on the road as their season grinds to a disappointing conclusion.

The visitors fell 12 behind after just five races, and with only one race victory there was simply no way back.

Guesting No.5 Josh Bailey, stepping in for injured skipper Tom Perry, was the only Cradley rider to take the chequered flag as he expertly rounded James Cockle on the second bend to win heat six.

Middle order man Joe Lawlor also improved as the meeting progressed with a solid albeit unspectacular showing.

But Luke Harris struggled to make any significant impact, while young reserve duo Jamie Bursill and William O’Keefe also found points hard to come by.

No.1 Rob Shuttleworth avoided last places in his first four rides as he filled in for Danny Ayres, but he also struggled to claim a race win and suffered bike problems when leading the final race to end on a disappointing note.

Ben Wilson struck a faultless maximum for the hosts, whilst Connor Coles and Scott Campos also notched double figures in a complete performance.

Pottinger’s side saw their play-off hopes ended when National League bosses refused to extent the cut-off date for fixtures.

But their latest defeat means they cannot mathematically make the top four even if they defeat high-flying Eastbourne in their final home meeting at Perry Barr next Wednesday (7.30pm).

They still have hopes of finding a date to hold their prestigious Golden Hammer individual event to bring the curtain down on the campaign at Monmore Green in October.