HEATHENS battled against the odds to take a miraculous 50-38 victory over Stoke on a dramatic night at Loomer Road.

Both Lewis Blackbird and Paul Starke scored faultless maximums to lead Heathens to all four points in their first away meeting of the National League campaign.

Having lost Ashley Morris to a hand injury in the early stages, the visitors put in a sensational display to take an unlikely win.

And team boss Will Pottinger was thrilled to take a vital victory as they look to challenge for National League glory.

Said Pottinger: "It's a superb win considering Ash (Morris) and Gareth (Isherwood) only scored one point apiece, and we're absolutely delighted with the result.

"When Ash pulled out whilst we were three points down I would have taken a point in all honesty, so to come away with all four is a tremendous effort by everybody.

"Lewis and Paul led the team superbly, both going unbeaten, and young Nathan did a great job in his last few rides as well.

"To still get four points with effectively only five riders really is a great achievement, and it bodes well for the rest of the season when we have a full team."

Youngster Nathan Greaves was arguably the star of the show - recovering from a poor start to spark the Heathens revival in the closing stages.

His reserve partner Lee Geary also notched 5+1 with a determined display, whilst Dan Greenwood upped his game to score seven valuable points.

But Gareth Isherwood suffered a frustrating evening against his former club before being forced to withdraw from his final ride after taking a heavy knock to his shoulder and ribs in a heat 10 spill.

The result moves Dudley up to third in the National League table, and they will be back in action on Tuesday as they travel to the Isle of Wight.

STOKE 38: Luke Priest 10+1, Kyle Hughes 8, Lee Payne 7+2, Lee Smart 6+1, Benji Compton 4+2, Shaun Tedham 3+1, Luke Chessell r/r.

DUDLEY 50: Lewis Blackbird 15, Paul Starke 14+1, Nathan Greaves 7+2, Dan Greenwood 7, Lee Geary 5+1, Ashley Morris 1, Gareth Isherwood 1.