CRADLEY lost out in a last heat decider as they were defeated 46-44 by Eastbourne in the first leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

In a meeting that saw ten shared heats, it was a clash full of tension with no more than four points ever separating the two sides.

But an uncharacteristic first bend mistake in heat 15 from previously unbeaten guest Danny Ayres ended any hope for the Heathens as the Eagles clinched a 4-2 to take the tie.

Cradley team manager Will Pottinger admits the Heathens face a major challenge in the second leg against an Eastbourne side who have won their last 13 home fixtures.

"It's a bit of a hard one to take and it's very disappointing," said Pottinger.

"Naturally, our aim was to win first and foremost and then we always wanted that to be a victory which would see us take a decent lead to Eastbourne for the second leg.

"Unfortunately we came up against a very good, solid Eastbourne team and we just weren't good enough on the night.

"The performance and result kind of summed up our season whereby we were a bit too reliant on our three heat-leaders and just one of the reserves while the other lads struggled for points between them.

"We realise it's going to be very hard to progress now but we can't go there with a negative mindset.

"The lads now have a bit of a break and we'll be looking for them to put in a much better performance at Birmingham a week on Thursday."

Heathens number one Ashley Morris dropped just two points while super guest Danny Ayres proved to be a hit with the home supporters once again after taking the chequered flag in all four of his programmed rides.

While Max Clegg was punished for missing the gate against strong opposition, Bradley Andrews had a solid night at reserve.

However Richard Andrews, Joe Lawlor and Ben Basford, who fell in two of his three outings, all struggled for speed and suffered nights to forget.

The Heathens return to action on Thursday, October 6 when they travel to Perry Barr as they take on Birmingham in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, with the return being held at Monmore Green on Monday, October 10.

CRADLEY 44: Ashley Morris 13, Danny Ayres 12, Bradley Andrews 8+2, Max Clegg 8, Richard Andrews 2+2, Ben Basford 1+1, Joe Lawlor (No.8) 0, James Purchase R/R

EASTBOURNE 46: Ellis Perks 12, Adam Ellis 10, Jake Knight 8, Jordan Jenkins 7+3, Georgie Wood 6+3, Tom Brennan (No.8) 3+1, Charley Powell 0, Gary Cottham R/R.