HEATHENS boss Will Pottinger says Monday’s crunch derby clash with Birmingham is their toughest home test of the season.

Cradley are unbeaten in nine outings at Monmore Green – but the Brummies have so far proved to be the dominant force of the National League and are clear favourites to defend their title.

They’re set to bring hundreds of fans across from Perry Barr for what many expect to be a classic encounter.

Pottinger said: “Birmingham are more than likely going to finish top of the league given their form so far this year, so they’ll be our toughest test of the season.

“We are on a good run ourselves though, and we certainly don’t want to lose our unbeaten home record against Birmingham.

“A win would no doubt give us a shot in the arm heading into a busy run of matches in September and then, hopefully, the play-offs.

“It would give everyone a lot of confidence to know we can beat the side who are top of the table, and if everyone rides to their capabilities then I don’t see why we can’t get the three points.”

Pottinger also believes that the team’s good work over the last six weeks would be wasted if they slip up on home shale.

“We’re on a good run of results, all the boys are feeling good and the team spirit is excellent,” he added.

“We’ve won at both Rye House and the Isle of Wight, but for us to make the play-offs we really need to stay unbeaten at home and I think we can.

“Monday is a massive test because Birmingham have strength in every department. We have more experience of the Monmore track, though, and I’m hoping that will come into play – in our favour – throughout the night.

“It’s a big meeting and we’d appreciate plenty of backing from our fans. They never let us down.

“It’s going to need a big effort from our top three and we also need the reserves to chip in with a few points here and there along the way.”