LAST heat hero Danny Ayres believes Cradley’s stunning win over Birmingham will give them a major early season boost.

Ayres bagged 12+2 points and delivered a match-winning 5-1 alongside Tom Perry in heat 15 as the Motor Market Heathens triumphed 47-43 in the West Midlands Trophy.

It was an impressive performance from Will Pottinger’s new look side, which sets them up nicely for their Bank Holiday encounter with old rivals Mildenhall at Monmore Green on Monday, April 17 (7.30pm).

Ayres feels their win over the Brummies means they have “laid down a marker” – and he is keen to pick up where they left off in their mouth-watering showdown with the Fen Tigers.

Ayres said: “That was a solid team performance with all the boys chipping him either scoring points on track or helping each other out in the pits.

“I know it's only a challenge but this win means a lot and for me it lays a marker down early in the season. That last race maximum with Tom (Perry) was great to be involved in and I must say I enjoyed it and gave me real confidence to ride so close with him.

“I'm starting to relax and enjoy my speedway again and I sometimes forget that and tonight showed in my riding. I felt a lot better on the bike and rode well.”