CRADLEY slipped to their third straight defeat as they went down 58-32 at Kent on Monday.

The Motor Market Heathens experienced another night to forget on their travels leaving their National League play-off hopes still hanging by a thread.

They will now face a must-win home encounter with Stoke at Monmore Green on Tuesday (7.30) in a bid to keep their top four bid on track.

Team manager Will Pottinger conceded his side were simply “beaten by a better team” at Central Park as the high-flying Kings comfortably came out on top.

Said Pottinger: “We always knew it was going to be very tough against a good team, and unfortunately we’ve come up short again.

“Ben Morley tried his best as a guest and was unfortunate to crash in his last race, but overall we were beaten by a better team.

“It was a disappointing evening and it’s hard to know what to say really. We’ve at least got a home meeting tomorrow to try and put it right.

“Despite these results we still have a chance to get into the play-offs, but we need to get back on track with a win over Stoke tomorrow.”

Ben Morley top scored for the visitors as he guested for Max Clegg in the No.5 spot. He recorded three race wins and ended with a hard-fought double figure points haul.

No.1 Ashley Morris had a mixed evening but claimed a classy heat 11 win, whilst Luke Chessell also claimed a heat seven victory as he added a creditable seven points.

Bradley Andrews battled hard for four points at reserve, but Ben Basford and Richard Andrews both struggled to make an impact.

KENT 58: Danny Ayres 16+1, Luke Bowen 14, Luke Clifton 9+1, Jack Thomas 7+2, James Shanes 7+1, Danno Verge 5+4, David Mason R/R.
CRADLEY 32: Ben Morley 10, Ashley Morris 8, Luke Chessell 7, Bradley Andrews 4, Ben Basford 1+1, Richard Andrews 1, Niall Strudwick (No.8) 1, James Purchase R/R.