HEATHENS skipper Max Clegg insists his side are capable of gaining revenge on Birmingham at Perry Barr next Wednesday.

Cradley go into the ‘away’ National League clash with their track sharing rivals on the back of a home defeat at their hands in May.

Having slipped 15 points behind Birmingham in the title race at the time of going to print, Clegg knows nothing less than a win will do as they aim to keep their hopes of a third successive National League triumph alive.

However, he is adamant they have what it takes to pull off a dramatic surge to the top of the table - starting with a victory on Wednesday.

"It's going to be tough for us, Birmingham have been going well, but we know we can beat them," Clegg said.

"They are quite a long way ahead of us in the league so if we are going to win the title we know we need to get a good result.

"We just need everyone to focus and be on top of their game.

"We had a tough spell but we've had two really good wins against Stoke and Buxton which has given us confidence.

"It wasn't just the fact we won, it's that we won pretty convincingly and looked like we were back riding at our best, like we were at the start of the season.

"A lot of us have been winning races and feeling confident, so we just need to do the same again and I think we can come out on top.

"It's going to be a close meeting, but if we can get the win then it puts the pressure on them and puts us right back in it, so we are really desperate to do well.

"There is still a long way in the season to go, and we still think we can make up the ground, but it's important we beat them so it's a massive meeting for us."

Meanwhile the club are continuing the build-up to the F.A.S.T Golden Hammer at Perry Barr on Wednesday August 12.

The showpiece individual event has pulled in Birmingham’s top three riders along with ex Heathens duo Dan Greenwood and Darryl Ritchings of Coventry and new Eastbourne sensation Bradley Wilson-Dean.

Children’s admission is free and there will be a free flag for every child along with a free full colour poster with every programme.

The action starts at 7.30 with 16 riders over 20 races and Cradley season tickets do apply.