CRADLEY endured another night to forget on their travels as they went down 51-39 at King’s Lynn.
The Motor Market Heathens remain on the lookout for their first away points of the season in the National League after a disappointing defeat at the Adrian Flux Arena.
It was a familiar tale for Will Pottinger’s side as they were in the mix throughout but were unable to claim a consolation point to show for their efforts.
Their in-form top three all bagged double figures – but their lower order struggles were highlighted against a strong all-around Young Stars side.
Team boss Pottinger admitted he was frustrated by a poor performance which saw them run 11 last places.
Pottinger said: “We’re very disappointed, and when you look at the score chart there were just too many last places again.
“It was pretty much a mirror of our away match at Eastbourne, and you just aren’t going to get enough heat advantages with that many last places unfortunately.
“The heat-leaders scored 33 points between them so you can’t argue with their contributions, but we are again leaving an away meeting without any points.
“We really need to start picking up some points away from home, and we are obviously very disappointed we haven’t managed to do that.
“We just need to pick ourselves up again and move on against Buxton on Monday to make sure we qualify for the next round of the Cup.”
Skipper Max Clegg and No.1 Ashley Morris both raced to three wins apiece to lead the side, whilst Luke Chessell continued his fine form to bag double figures with a solid display.
However, James Purchase and Ben Basford both struggled to make an impact whilst battling youngster Bradley Andrews failed to score on a tough evening.
The Heathens will be back in action when they host the second leg of their Knockout Cup tie with Buxton at Monmore Green on Monday (7.30).
With the scores tied after the first leg, Pottinger’s side will be keen to bounce back from their King’s Lynn disappointment to book their place in the next round.
KING’S LYNN 51: Tom Stokes 12, Shane Hazelden 9+2, Nathan Greaves 9, Josh Bailey 8, Scott Campos 7+2, Ryan Kinsley 3+1, Lewis Whitmore 3+1. CRADLEY 39: Max Clegg 12, Luke Chessell 11, Ashley Morris 10, James Purchase 4+1, Ben Basford 2, Bradley Andrews 0, Jack Kingston R/R.
