Heathens choose Stoke for play-off semi (From Halesowen News)

Heathens choose Stoke for play-off semi

11:00pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Sport

HEATHENS will face neighbours and rivals Stoke in the National League play-off semi finals over the next two Tuesdays.

The former Cradley club, who raced their home meetings at Stoke in 1996, will stage the first leg at Monmore Green next Tuesday, September 25.

And in a change of racenight for the Potters, Loomer Road will host the second and deciding leg on Tuesday, October 2.

Heathens chairman Nigel Pearson said: “Once we made the decision to select Stoke as our opposition we started talking to Dave Tattum about potential dates.

“We went there in July to fill a gap in their fixture schedule and in return it was agreed that any play-off clash would be staged on nights where there are no clashes with Premier League fixtures.

“If we were to go to Stoke on a Saturday it may well have ruled Ashley Morris out because he would have been riding for Workington, but with two Tuesdays it means both sides can be at full strength which we feel is only fair to the fans.

“I’m sure Stoke will bring a few fans down to Monmore Wood next Tuesday and it goes without saying we will be taking cars, coaches and minibuses to Loomer Road for the return when hopefully we can celebrate a place in the play-off final for the first time in our history.”

FIXTURE PICTURE: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25: Dudley v Stoke, Play-off SF 1st Leg 7.30.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 2: Stoke v Dudley, Play-off SF 2nd Leg, 7.30.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 23: Dudley v Mildenhall, KOC Final, 7.30.

TBA: Mildenhall v Dudley, KOC Final.