CRADLEY Heathens slipped to a third straight defeat as they went down 58-32 at Kent on Monday.

The Heathens experienced another night to forget on their travels leaving their National League play-off hopes still hanging by a thread.

They were set to face a must-win home encounter with Stoke at Monmore Green tonight in their bid to keep their top four bid on track.

Team manager Will Pottinger conceded his side were simply “beaten by a better team” at Central Park as the high-flying Kings comfortably came out on top.

He said “We always knew it was going to be very tough against a good team, and unfortunately we’ve come up short again.

“Ben Morley tried his best as a guest and was unfortunate to crash in his last race, but overall we were beaten by a better team.

“It was a disappointing evening and it’s hard to know what to say really.

“Despite these results we still have a chance to get into the play-offs, but we need to get back on track with a win over Stoke.”

Ben Morley top scored for the visitors as he guested for Max Clegg in the number five spot. He recorded three race wins and ended with a hard-fought double figure points haul.

Number one Ashley Morris had a mixed evening but claimed a classy heat 11 win, whilst Luke Chessell also claimed a heat seven victory as he added a creditable seven points.

Bradley Andrews battled hard for four points at reserve, but Ben Basford and Richard Andrews both struggled to make an impact.

Meanwhile, Cradley will look to claim their first silverware of the season as they head to King’s Lynn for the National League Pairs this Saturday (7pm).

Heathens will be represented by star top two Max Clegg and Ashley Morris in the showpiece event.

Following a tough run of recent form, Morris believes returning from Norfolk with the trophy could give the club a much-needed boost.

He believes they have what it takes to overcome a strong field and climb to the top of the rostrum.

“Our season is a bit up and down at the minute,” said Morris.

“It makes me and Max more determined to try and win the Pairs and give everyone a lift. It might be our best chance to get some silverware, so we want to try and take it.

“We’ll go and have fun, try our best and hopefully that will be enough to get us over the line. We know it will be a tough meeting, there are some strong sides involved and everyone will be aiming for the same thing.

“We feel like we’ve got a good chance, and if we’re both firing on the night I don’t see any reason why we can’t get a win.”

Cradley will take part in Group A alongside Eastbourne, Mildenhall, Isle of Wight and host club King’s Lynn.