CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger is preparing his league leaders for a National League crunch clash with title rivals Birmingham.

The Heathens will face their fellow Perry Barr tenants next Wednesday (7.30pm) in an eagerly-anticipated encounter that could prove decisive in the race for glory this season.

And with a tricky trip to Mildenhall this Sunday, Pottinger says it’s a big part of the campaign.

Cradley are facing up to the remainder of the season without teenage star Nathan Greaves after he suffered a badly broken leg on Premier League duty at Workington last weekend.

They will use the rider replacement facility over the next two meetings, with limited options available for a new signing.

Pottinger said: “These are arguably our two biggest tests and most important meetings of the season so far.

“But for me, the biggest meeting of the year so far is when we host Birmingham next Wednesday.

“The Brummies have been flying at Perry Barr and, hopefully with us having the advantage to set the track up how we want it, it will catch them out.

“They’ve got three riders who’ve been in excellent form in Adam Ellis, Zach Wajtknecht and a rider we all know well at Cradley, Tom Perry, and that’s where we need the likes of Max (Clegg) and Matt (Williamson) to really step up to the plate once again and give them a tough time.

“I’m sure there’ll be another bumper crowd for this one but it’s important that as many of our fans get to Perry Barr as possible to try and outnumber and outshout the Birmingham supporters to give the team that little bit of extra encouragement.

“Hopefully we can cover the absence of Nathan (Greaves) well with whatever options are available to us and continue our recent good form.

“We’re not top of the National League by mistake – we’re there because we’ve performed well and we’ve certainly earned our place with some good results.”

Meanwhile, Cradley were unable to defend the National League Fours Trophy on a tough afternoon in Coventry last Sunday.