CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger has urged his side to give the fans something to shout about as they face Birmingham in the second leg of their Gold Cup semi-final tie at Perry Barr on Wednesday (7.30).

Having suffered a heavy 54-36 first leg defeat last week, the Motor Market Heathens prepare for their "away" fixture against the Brummies with a mountain to climb if they are to pull off an aggregate victory.

Team boss Pottinger admits their chances of progressing to the final are slim as his injury-hit side take on their co-tenants for the sixth and final time this season.

However, he has called on them to restore some pride and reward the patience shown by their supporters by claiming a victory on the night.

"We know we will be very much up against it, but we are desperate to at least get a win on the night to salvage some pride after last week," Pottinger said.

"After such a poor performance in the first leg we owe it to the fans to make up for it with a good performance this time around.

"We are badly affected by injuries which isn't ideal, but all the boys will be giving it 100% and we are determined to try and put in a strong showing.

"We've got some big meetings still to come with the Knockout Cup semi-final coming soon, so it's certainly important we regroup after last week and pick ourselves up with a win."

Michael Neale has informed the club he will be unavailable for the rest of the season due to a thumb injury and a lack of equipment.

No.8 Tyler Govier will subsequently take his place in the main body of the side against the Brummies with Luke Harris lining up alongside Arron Mogridge at reserve.

The Heathens have been boosted by the fitness of No.1 Max Clegg after his horror crash in the first leg last week, whilst Darryl Ritchings once again guests for Nathan Greaves in the engine room of the side.

Meanwhile, Birmingham will be without teenage ace Zach Wajtknecht after he suffered a heavy crash in a grasstrack meeting at the weekend, although they will again utilise Jack Smith and Jack Parkinson-Blackburn as guests in the lower order.

BIRMINGHAM: Adam Ellis, Adam Kirby, Sam Chapman, Zach Wajtknecht R/R, Tom Perry, Jack Smith, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn.

CRADLEY: Max Clegg, Tyler Govier, Darryl Ritchings, Ellis Perks R/R, Matt Williamson, Arron Mogridge, Luke Harris.