CRADLEY gave their confidence a much-needed boost with a resounding 60-30 triumph over Stoke at Monmore Green on Tuesday.

The Heathens put in a strong all-around team display to record a comprehensive win and get their National League play-off bid back on track.

It was a perfect way for Will Pottinger’s side to bounce back from a run of three successive defeats – and Pottinger was thrilled with the convincing manner of their victory.

“We’re delighted with the response from the riders,” Pottinger said.

“We had a heavy defeat again at Kent last night, so it was important for us to get back to winning ways.

“We started well, everyone had a good first ride to get themselves going and it was nice to get a big win under our belts.

“A performance like that breeds a lot of confidence heading into an important weekend with two away matches.”

Star duo Ashley Morris and Max Clegg went unbeaten for the fourth straight home meeting, joining forces in heats 13 and 15 as they ended the evening with three successive 5-1s.

Luke Chessell also reeled off three wins out of four and was only denied a maximum of his own by a fall when comfortably leading heat nine.

Reserve duo Bradley Andrews and Ben Basford chipped in with solid scores, striking a 5-1 in heat two as they got off to a bright start.

Number eight Joe Lawlor also won heat 14 alongside Basford as he put in a battling display, whilst Richard Andrews and namesake Bradley recorded a heat eight maximum.

The Heathens will now prepare for a crucial weekend as they head to Loomer Road for the return fixture against the Potters on Saturday (7pm) before taking on Buxton at the D&P Raceway on Sunday (3pm).

CRADLEY 60: Ashley Morris 15, Max Clegg 13+2, Luke Chessell 9, Bradley Andrews 8, Joe Lawlor 6 (No.8), Ben Basford 5+2, Richard Andrews 4+1, James Purchase R/R.

STOKE 30: Ben Wilson 8, Ben Hopwood 7, Danny Phillips 6, Chris Hay 5, Tony Atkin 3+2, Shaun Tedham 1, Paul Burnett 0.