DUDLEY Heathens went agonisingly close to a stunning Knockout Cup win at Scunthorpe but had to settle for a 46-44 first leg defeat on Friday.

Australian Jake Anderson enjoyed his best performance since arriving on British shores with a 15-point haul and fellow new signing Jon Armstrong impressed with 10.

Heathens were two-points up going into the last race but were turned over by a Scunthorpe 5-1 to send the Saints fans home happy - but Will Pottingers's men will still start the return at Wolverhampton on Tuesday, April 27, as favourites to make the semi-finals.

Said Pottinger: "If you'd offered me a two-point defeat in the first leg before the meeting I'd have taken it. I'm happy but it would have been even better if we'd managed to win.

"I would be disappointed if we failed to go through from the second leg at Wolverhampton, but we will take nothing for granted. It was a good team effort, especially as we were without former Scunthorpe rider Richard Franklin."

Heathens have brought forward their National League clash with Mildenhall by 24-hours - and switched the venue. They will now race at Wolverhampton on Tuesday, May 11, as Birmingham need the Wednesday date after a series of early season postponements.

The next Heathens action is at Buxton in the National League on Sunday with teenager Darryl Ritchings replacing the unavailable Tom Perry at reserve.

SCUNTHORPE: Gary Irving 14, Benji Compton 11+2, Luke Chessell 8+1, Adam Wrathall 7+1, Ashley Birks 5+1, Scott Richardson 1+1, Gareth Isherwood 0.

DUDLEY: Jake Anderson 15, Jon Armstrong 10, Lee Smart 7+1, Tom Perry 5+2, Ashley Morris 5+2, James Sarjeant 2+1, Richard Franklin R/R.