AN understrength Cradley side put up a valiant effort as they suffered a narrow 47-43 Gold Cup second leg defeat against Birmingham.

The Heathens crashed out in the semi-finals as they went down 101-79 on aggregate but can be proud of their efforts from their 'away' leg.

Team manager Will Pottinger was keen to focus on the positives ahead of next week's Knockout Cup clash with King's Lynn.

Said Pottinger: "People were saying that we wouldn't get anywhere near Birmingham tonight and it feels good to prove those people wrong.

"To take it to a last heat decider under the circumstances is a great effort and we can hold our heads high.

"We can take some confidence from tonight's performance and we'll head to King's Lynn next week with the belief that we can go there and get a positive result."

Arron Mogridge had another busy yet enjoyable night as he bagged one of his highest scores of the season at reserve.

Max Clegg made a decent return to the side following his heavy crash last week and while no heat wins were secured for the Cradley No.1 it was another double-figure score from the Yorkshireman.

Matt Williamson battled hard for his points and an engine failure at the tapes in heat 15 cost him the chance to add to his tally.

Darryl Ritchings proved a good choice of guest with another steady performance at No.4.

Tyler Govier and Luke Harris both endured tough nights but both were much more on the pace and their starts were improved.

BIRMINGHAM 47: Adam Ellis 18, Tom Perry 13, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 6, Jack Smith 4+1, Sam Chapman 4, Adam Kirby 2, Zach Wajtknecht R/R.

CRADLEY 43: Arron Mogridge 14+2, Max Clegg 10, Matt Williamson 9+1, Darryl Ritchings 8+1, Tyler Govier 1+1, Luke Harris 1, Ellis Perks R/R.

Birmingham win 101-79 on aggregate.