CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger says next Tuesday’s play-off clash with rivals Mildenhall at Wolverhampton is the biggest meeting of the season.

The Heathens have picked the Fen Tigers as opponents for their semi-final with the first leg at Monmore followed by the return at West Row on Sunday, October 5.

Pottinger knows his side have been head and shoulder above their opponents this year – but he’s taking nothing for granted with the play-off system.

Said Pottinger: “With so many of our riders riding in other leagues we’ve had to deal with fixture clashes a lot which has been frustrating.

“Obviously we don’t want to be going into the play-offs missing anybody because we know there is no margin for error now.

“We had to take that into account when we made our choice for the play-offs, and hopefully we will be at full strength for both our meetings against Mildenhall.

“We’ve beaten them comfortably at home a couple of times this season and also won at their place as well which was a great result.

“But we know they have some good riders and can cause us problems, so we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas at all.

“The play-offs are when it matters, and after managing to do so well all season we need to make it count by winning the title again.

“The first step is to get past Mildenhall in the semi-finals, and we are confident that over two legs we can come out on top.

“It’s going to be an exciting few weeks with the play-offs and also the Knockout Cup to look forward to, so we are hoping to carry on our good form to defend the silverware we won last year.”

Heathens fans are urged to snap up their tickets for the club’s presentation night at the Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill.

Less than 50 remain available at the club shop, Printworx, in Quarry Bank or on Tuesday night.