CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger admitted he was left bitterly disappointed after the Heathens slipped to a 51-39 defeat against Buxton at the Hi-Edge Raceway.
A poor performance from the Motor Market Heathens saw them condemned to their third defeat in their last four meetings.
Back to back Hitmen 5-1s in heats 10 and 11 left Cradley well and truly on the back foot, and although No.1 Max Clegg reeled off three wins in the final five races they were unable to stage a fightback.
It was another tough afternoon for the Heathens as they aim to boost their confidence ahead of the Gold Cup and Knockout Cup semi-finals, and team boss Pottinger conceded he was frustrated by a bad day at the office.
"We wanted to get at least a point, and we were aiming for a win really to try and make sure we end the season well," Pottinger said.
"Buxton were the better team unfortunately. It was a disappointing performance and it was just one of those days where everything went wrong for us."
Clegg put in a fine performance to lead the side, bagging four wins from his five races, whilst Darryl Ritchings also added double figures as he guested for Nathan Greaves in the engine room of the side.
However, Ellis Perks and Matt Williamson both endured up and down meetings - and with reserve duo Arron Mogridge and Luke Harris struggling the Heathens ran 11 last places on a difficult afternoon.
They will now aim to bounce back and regain their confidence ahead of the Gold Cup as they take on Rye House at Perry Barr on Wednesday in their final home meeting of the National League campaign.
BUXTON 51: Tony Atkin 12, Liam Carr 11, Ryan Blacklock 9+1, Tom Woolley 6+1, Steven Jones 5+2, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 5+1, David Speight 3+2.
CRADLEY 39: Max Clegg 14, Darryl Ritchings 10+1, Ellis Perks 6+1, Matt Williamson 6, Arron Mogridge 3, Luke Harris 0, Michael Neale r/r.
