HEATHENS boss Will Pottinger says his riders are well and truly up for the cup.

Pottinger leads his side into action for their next home meeting at Wolverhampton in Tuesday’s deciding leg of their Knock-out Cup tie with Buxton.

The opening contest is in Derbyshire on Sunday (3pm) and the previous night they defend a 47-43 advantage in the return leg of the Staffordshire Cup against Stoke at Loomer Road.

It is a busy schedule which suits Pottinger and his riders after a frustrating spell of inactivity.

He said: “When we arrive at Wolverhampton next Tuesday it will be a month since our last home meeting against Stoke.

“So for us to have three meetings in four days is just what we need at the moment and I know all the boys are desperate to kick-start their season.

“Even Adam Roynon and Tom Perry, who ride in the Premier League, have seen meetings washed out so everyone wants to get things moving again.

“Over the last couple of years there has been quite a rivalry between Buxton and ourselves and I’m sure we’ll be taking a good contingent there.

“It would be lovely to get past them but we need to keep things close on Sunday before bringing them back to Monmore on Tuesday for the return.

“We want to be as competitive as possible in every competition and we just want to get some momentum going now.”

Meanwhile, Heathens coach Jan O Pedersen is backing Ashley Morris to hit top form with a good run of meetings.

Tom Perry’s second place in last week’s British Under-21 Final was no surprise after his fine start to the campaign but Morris, who doesn’t have the benefit of regular Premier League action, hasn’t realised his potential yet.

Pedersen said: “Tom has done great but we need to get Ash going now and I’m sure it will come for him, it’s only a matter of time.

“We’re suggesting one or two things to him and he is taking it on board. There are certain things he can do to improve his performances. He’s a good lad from that point of view and does listen.

“Tom has changed his technique at the start and it’s paying dividends for him, he is a much better rider than last season and it’s good to see.

“Ash has what it takes to be a good rider and we will continue to push him and work with him to make it happen.

“We just need to get some meetings under our belt and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the boys when we get back together this weekend.”