DUDLEY safely progressed to the semi-finals of the KO Cup despite suffering a 47-43 defeat in a tight encounter at Buxton.

Carrying a 16-point lead to Derbyshire, Heathens put in a battling away performance with Ashley Morris and Lewis Blackbird putting in excellent displays.

But the former-Cradley club let a narrow lead slip in the closing stages against a resilient Hitmen side - although they did safely progress on aggregate.

Team boss Will Pottinger admitted he was disappointed his side could not take victory on the day although he was pleased to secure their spot in the next round of the cup.

Said Pottinger: "I'm disappointed we didn't get the win to be honest having been ahead until heat 14.

"We're still through to the next round on aggregate though which was the main objective, and we're looking forward to the next round."

Whilst Blackbird and Morris both starred, Gareth Isherwood and Paul Starke also put in solid showings to support the top two.

Dan Greenwood suffered a frustrating meeting despite recording one superb race win, whilst reserves Nathan Greaves and Lee Geary struggled to make an impact on a tricky Buxton surface.

BUXTON 47: Charles Wright 13, Adam McKinna 10, Liam Carr 9+1, Ryan Blacklock 7+1, Tom Woolley 6+3, Matt Williamson 2+2.

DUDLEY 43: Lewis Blackbird 13, Ashley Morris 10+1, Paul Starke 8, Gareth Isherwood 6+1, Dan Greenwood 4, Nathan Greaves 2, Lee Geary 0.