DEPLETED Dudley staged a late rally to pull off a brilliant 53-39 National League win at struggling Weymouth on Friday.

Former Wildcats duo Jon Armstrong (15+1) and Lee Smart (13+1) topped the Heathens scorecard - but there was also a dream debut for Aussie teenager Micky Dyer who notched 8+3.

Heathens were hit by bad luck in the build-up to the meeting with Richard Franklin pulling out through illness and Tom Perry broke down on his way to Dorset.

Boss Will Pottinger was forced to plot his tactics carefully with the rider-replacement facility in operation for Franklin and local youngster Ross Walter stood in for Perry.

Heathens were strong at the end and secured the victory when they pulled off a 4-4 in the penultimate race when Weymouth used a tactical ride and the visitors remained 10-points up.

Boss Pottinger said: "I know Weymouth have been struggling, but after all our problems on the day of the meeting I'm delighted to come away with the win and four more league points. It could have gone horribly wrong for us.

"It was a fine performance and I'm particularly pleased for Micky Dyer on his debut. He looked good and I'm sure our fans are looking forward to seeing him at Wolves on Tuesday when we face King's Lynn.

"Armo and Lee were awesome and Ashley (Morris) did a great job at reserve. I'm so pleased to pull through with the win.

"I had a nightmare day. Richard Franklin's dad called me to say he was ill and then Tom broke down and got as far as Birdlip. We could have dropped points but we were all determined."

WEYMOUTH: Byron Bekker 11, Gary Cottham 10+1, James Cockle 7, Luke Chessell 6+1, Tom Brown 5+1, Luke Wiltshire 1, Richard Andrews 0, Terry Day (R/R).

DUDLEY: Jon Armstrong 15+1, Lee Smart 13+1, Michael Dyer 8+3, Ashley Morris 8+1, Jake Andersen 5, Ross Walter 3, Richard Franklin (R/R).