(SPEEDWAY 1 – TUESDAY REVIEW)
CRADLEY battled to a 52-42 win over Coventry on a dramatic night in their National League Grand Final first leg at Monmore Green.The two top sides in the third tier provided a blockbuster night of action before the Heathens eventually left with a ten point advantage to take to Brandon for the decisive second leg.But the victory came at a cost to the home side, who are waiting on news of Steve Worrall (wrist) and Nathan Greaves (ankle) after both were forced to withdraw during the meeting.Paul Starke scored 13 for the Heathens with Max Clegg adding 11+1, whilst captain James Sarjeant led the way for the Storm on 14 as they kept in touch ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg.Cradley boss Will Pottinger said: “We are fairly happy with that in the end. We probably would have liked more but considering we were missing two riders by the end we have to be satisfied with a ten point lead.“We’ll be able to use tactical rides if we need them and we did well at Coventry a few weeks ago, so we’ve just got to give it our best and we are confident we can get over the line.”Sarjeant said: “I think we did a good job to keep them within ten to be honest. I know we lost, but they are really strong at home so that was probably a good result in the scheme of things.“It gives us a good chance going into the second leg, and I think we can go back to Coventry and get the job done. It’s going to be tough but I definitely think we can do it, so we are all looking forward it.”
(SPEEDWAY 2 – WEDNESDAY PREVIEW)
KING’S Lynn Young Stars boss Dale Allitt is keen to see his side establish a first-leg lead over Cradley in the first leg of the National League KO Cup Final.The sides meet at the Norfolk Arena with club asset Simon Lambert standing in at No.1 for the home team, whilst Cradley are forced into changes after their home match with Coventry last night.Steve Worrall and Nathan Greaves are both ruled out and will be covered by Dan Halsey and the rider-replacement facility.Allitt said: “Cradley have a strong team, they have shown that this season. But they can be beaten and we need to believe that going into the first leg. “The boys are confident at the Norfolk Arena, and a fast start would give us momentum that we can use.”Cradley chairman Nigel Pearson said: “Our thanks to Dan for agreeing to step in at short notice and to Mildenhall for their co-operation in this matter.“We are still hoping it's nothing serious with Steve and Nathan but they won't be available for Wednesday.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22:NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP FINAL 1st leg: King’s Lynn v Cradley 7.30
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23:BOB KILBY MEMORIAL: Swindon 7.3016-LAP CLASSIC: Ipswich 7.30
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24:PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 1st leg: Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25:PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 2nd leg: Edinburgh v Somerset 7pmPREMIER LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS: Workington v Berwick 7pnNATIONAL LEAGUE: Devon v Buxton 7.15
SUNDAY OCTOBER 26:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Workington 1pmLEAGUE CUP: Glasgow v Berwick (follows previous fixture)NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: Coventry 2.30