CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger insists there is no reason to hit the panic button despite their 46-43 loss at home to Mildenhall on Monday.

The Motor Market Heathens came off second best in an incident-filled encounter in their first Monmore Green outing of the season.

Despite forcing a last-heat decider, a masterclass from Fen Tigers guest Dan Bewley ensured the visitors emerged with three National League points.

Pottinger conceded it was a disappointing night for his side as they threw away a number of points and suffered their first defeat of the season.

But he has urged his team to issue a response ahead of their trip to Eastbourne on Saturday, April 29.

Pottinger said: “We’re very disappointed, but it was just one of those nights where we had a bit of misfortune and it cost us in the end.

“A few of the lads were struggling and they beat us out the traps, but we’ve got to look to bounce back against Eastbourne away then Lakeside at home.

“We’ve got a few matches at the start of May, so hopefully we can get back on track then. It’s a long, long season ahead of us so we’re not going to press the panic button yet.

“At the same time, we never like to lose, especially at home, so it’s a disappointing result and there’s no getting away from that.”

Luke Harris impressed for the Heathens, pulling off the ride of the night to win heat 14 after a sensational battle with Jordan Jenkins and force a last-heat decider.

Top two Danny Ayres and Tom Perry also put in solid performances, although Fen Tigers’ heat-leaders Bewley and Jon Armstrong played starring roles for their side.

Ayres also suffered a costly fall in heat seven, whilst middle order man Dan Greenwood struggled to recover from a spectacular heat three crash which caused extensive damage to his machinery.

Ryan Burton put in a creditable display at reserve whilst Conor Dwyer and Joe Lawor also had their moments, but it was not enough to see the Heathens come out on top in a tense clash.

CRADLEY 43: Tom Perry 10+1, Danny Ayres 8+1, Luke Harris 8, Ryan Burton 7+1, Dan Greenwood 4, Joe Lawlor 3+1, Conor Dwyer 3.

MILDENHALL 46: Dan Bewley 15, Jon Armstrong 11+1, Jordan Jenkins 7+1, Sam Woods 4+1, Daniel Halsey 4, Luke Ruddick 4, Danno Verge 1.

National League points: Cradley 0 Mildenhall 3