DUDLEY Heathens set themselves up nicely for Tuesday's National Shield decider with Mildenhall at Monmore with a last gasp 46-43 win at Scunthorpe.

Heathens now have three wins from three meetings in their National League campaign but the win at the Eddie Wright Raceway seemed unlikely for much of the match.

The former Dudley Wood side were already without star rider Tom Perry who was called into the GB Under 21 side 48-hours earlier and South African star Byron Bekker suffered two retirements in his first two outings and was far from his best.

But skipper Adam Roynon stepped up to the plate to inspire his side alongside Wolverhampton teenager Ashley Morris and reserve Dan Greenwood to carry the team home.

Heathens needed a maximum from the last race as they were 43-41 down but were gifted a 5-0 victory when both Gary Irving and Jerran Hart retired for the home side. Irving was on the verge of victory when the gremlins struck to break Scunthorpe hearts.

Heathens boss Will Pottinger said: "This was a lucky win, but a good one all the same and we'll take the three points.

"Tom Perry was a big loss to us but we've pulled through and when you have Adam Roynon and Ashley Morris in two of the last three heats you always have a chance.

"Now we have to focus on Tuesday and a really tough match against Mildenhall for the National Shield. We're going to need everyone on form that night."

SCUNTHORPE 43: Tom Young 12, Jerran Hart 10, Gary Irving 8, Max Clegg 7, Danny Phillips 4+2, Tommy Fenwick 2+2, Steve Worrall r/r.
DUDLEY 46: Adam Roynon 14, Ashley Morris 11+1, Dan Greenwood 8+4, Byron Bekker 5+1, James White-Williams 5, Darryl Ritchings 3, Tom Perry r/r.