DUDLEY Heathens' title hopes lie on a knife-edge after they took a 53-40 victory over King's Lynn in their Grand Final first leg at Monmore Green.

Skipper Ashley Morris struck a sensational maximum to give Dudley a 13-point advantage to take to the Norfolk Arena on Wednesday as they search for National League glory.

After seeing his side drop their fair share of points in a Monmore Green thriller, boss Will Pottinger revealed he was frustrated the advantage was not bigger.

Yet he remains confident his side can defend their lead when they travel to Saddlebow Road for the return fixture.

Said Pottinger: “I'm pleased as it's a decent lead to take, but it could have been so much more.

“It would have been nice to go with a bigger lead but it is what it is - we've got a 13-point lead and we just have to try our best tomorrow to get over the line.

“We're going to have to go and attack it as they will no doubt come at us right from the start, but we'll be hoping to make a good start to preserve our lead.”

Morris was undoubtedly the star of the show as he went through the card in fine style - taking magnificent wins from behind against Lewis Kerr in heats 9 and 15.

He received good support from Lewis Blackbird who himself bagged three race wins despite ending his night with a fall in Heat 15.

Middle order man Paul Starke fought hard to bag eight points, whilst Dan Greenwood and Max Clegg completed a strong top five.

Determined youngster Clegg combined with reserve Gareth Isherwood for a priceless Heat 14 5-1 following a scintillating race.

That meant Isherwood bagged wins in his first and last rides - one of them paid - whilst Nathan Greaves made a useful contribution early on to complete a solid team showing.

The same side will now take on the Young Stars on Wednesday in what promises to be a tense clash to decide the National League title.

Dudley 53: Ashley Morris 15, Lewis Blackbird 11, Paul Starke 8, Max Clegg 6, Gareth Isherwood 5+1, Dan Greenwood 5+1, Nathan Greaves 3+2.

King’s Lynn 40: Lewis Kerr 12, Darren Mallett 9+1, Lewis Rose 6, Robert Lambert 6, Jake Knight 3+1, Shane Waldron 3+1, Josh Bailey 1.