CRADLEY Heathens have agreed to delay the home leg of their Knockout Cup Final.

The Heathens were due to race King’s Lynn but the Stars have been decimated by rider unavailability and Cradley will now stage their home leg on Tuesday, October 28.

It will mean the cup will be decided that night as the first leg will be staged at the Norfolk Arena on Wednesday, October 22.

However, Cradley will still take on Birmingham at Monmore this Tuesday (7.30).

Former Birmingham boss Phil Morris has agreed to take charge of the Brummies side for the night and prospective new owner Tony Mole and former promoter Graham Drury will be invited.

Heathens chairman Nigel Pearson said: “King’s Lynn have made it clear they cannot field a competitive team on Tuesday for various reasons – and on our part, we do not want to be accused of having a win at all costs attitude.

“We have decided, in the best interests of the Knockout Cup and British Speedway in general, to delay the Cup Final and it means the second leg will now be at Monmore Green as our last meeting of the season on October 28.

“In the meantime, we are delighted to welcome Birmingham. Great efforts are currently being made to bring them back for next season and we look forward to welcoming their supporters.

“Phil Morris was a hugely popular team manager in leading Birmingham to the top of the Elite League and he readily agreed to take charge of the Brummies.

“We are also getting a set of Brummies race jackets made and these will be auctioned off on ebay with profits to the Birmingham fighting fund.

“It should be a great night – and we hope this is a sign of things to come, Heathens v Brummies – rather than the final ever clash between the two.”