CRADLEY skipper Paul Starke says the home meeting with Coventry next Tuesday will be the toughest of the season at Monmore.

The Heathens have been in rampant form in 2014, claiming several big wins as they aim to defend their National League title.

But they were beaten by Coventry at Brandon in April and are looking for some revenge in what promises to be a great night of racing.

Starke knows his side are in for a difficult night as arguably the two strongest sides in the third tier do battle.

But with the Heathens high on confidence, he is backing his side to add three more points to their a National League tally.

Starkes said: "Our season starts now really - we've got some tough meetings coming up and we need to show what we are made of.

"The meeting against Coventry is probably the biggest meeting of the season so far for us, and we are desperate to perform well.

"We know we are capable of getting all three points, and that is obviously what we are aiming for.

"We were really disappointed to lose at Coventry earlier in the year, but we are at home this time around and everyone has hit top form.

"We've really built up some momentum since then and everyone has been banging in big points regularly, so if they can do the same this week we should get the right result.

"Everyone is riding regularly and improving all the time, so I think we are probably a better team than we were in April.

"Coventry are a strong side with some good riders at this level so we can’t afford to take anything for granted.

"But at the same time in confident we can come away with the win and all three points as long as we are at our best."

The following Tuesday, Heathens will host their prestigious FAST Golden Hammer individual event with a bumper crowd expected.

Then, on Sunday, July 27, club legend Billy Hamill returns to the area for a special evening with supporters at the Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill. Tickets are still available, priced £10, from the club shop or website.