CRADLEY suffered a 51-36 defeat at Stoke as they endured another frustrating night in the National League.

The Anchor Logistics Heathens led early on at Loomer Road when a bizarre third heat saw Luke Harris end up as the only finisher.
And they still clung on by a single point with seven races gone.
But controversial exclusions for Harry McGurk in Heat Eight and then guest Kyle Bickley in Heat Nine saw the hosts turn things around with back-to-back maximums as the momentum swung in the Potters favour.
And despite captain Clegg kicking on to end with four wins from his five rides, he again lacked the support required as the Heathens left empty handed.
Stand-in team boss Chris Van Straaten said: “There were quite a few Heathens fans who’d made the trip and it must be very frustrating and disappointing for them in particular.
“We can list excuses but at the end of the day the team should be doing much better.
“Don’t get me wrong the decisions in Heats Eight and Nine were critical - and also very poor.
“They were turning points in the meeting though and we lost our way after that.
“They lost Joe Lawlor early on and we should’ve taken advantage but again we hadn’t got the back-up for Max unfortunately.
“Danny Halsey hit the deck more times in one night than he probably has done in the rest of his career.
“The younger, less experienced members of the team showed a lack of confidence on the track - it wasn’t the easiest after being heavily watered and it made it daunting for them it seemed and I think it caught them out.
“The effort was certainly there though and it’s important to remember they are still learning all the time.
“Overall it’s another tough one to take but we have to put things right in the next one before the meetings start running out.”
Heathens host Isle of Wight at Monmore on Monday (July 1, 7.30).
STOKE 51: Connor Coles 12+1, Tom Perry 10+2, Luke Priest 9+2, Shelby Rutherford 9+1, Joe Alcock 7, Corban Pavitt 4, Joe Lawlor 0.
CRADLEY 36: Max Clegg 13+1, Luke Harris 6+1, Kyle Bickley 6, Danny Halsey 4, Harry McGurk 3, Sheldon Davies 2+1, Tom Spencer 2.