WILL Pottinger is looking forward to a hectic week as his Heathens side embark upon three meetings in the space of a week.

The former Cradley club take on Sheffield at Owlerton tomorrow (tonight) before a KO Cup clash at home to Buxton on Tuesday and a trip to Redcar next Thursday.

And Pottinger believes his side will be well and truly up to speed as a result.

He said: “We head off to Sheffield on tonight which will provide some vital track time for the boys after not seeing much action recently.

“Especially for the four riders not involved in the Premier League, Max Clegg, Nathan Greaves, Dan Greenwood and Gareth Isherwood, it is going to be very useful.

“It’s also a chance to visit a new track and take on some Premier League opposition although they won’t be fielding their full side.

“Then we’ve got Buxton in the KO Cup on Tuesday, so we’ll be hoping to take a big lead up to their place for the second leg in June. “We should definitely be right back up to speed by then, so we will be hoping to get a big win.”

“Finally we have Redcar next Thursday which, like Sheffield is a good opportunity to ride a new track and get some more track time.

“We are hoping we can continue the good run we’ve had at the start of this season with wins over Mildenhall and Coventry, and the extra meetings over the next week should help us to keep that form going.”

Meanwhile skipper Ashley Morris is also looking forward to getting back into action for the Heathens after a big gap in fixtures. He added: “I’ve only done a couple meetings for Heathens so far and it’s been a while since I’ve had the Dudley race jacket on, so I’m looking forward to the week ahead.

“Obviously having more track time will help the team a lot. It’ll be good to go to visit Sheffield and Redcar which are tracks most of the guys don’t get to race on in the National League.

“There isn’t really any pressure, so it should be helpful for the boys who haven’t had Premier League meetings as well.”

Heathens kicked off their National League season in ideal fashion with a 56-36 triumph over Kings Lynn at Monmore Wood on Tuesday.

Heathens certainly did not have things all their own way against a depleted Young Stars side, with three 5-1s in the closing stages required to ensure they took all three league points.

A string of falls in the early stages prevented the home side from opening up any substantial advantage - and they were also forced to contend most of the meeting with just five riders after Nathan Greaves suffered a hand injury in a Heat 4 horror smash. But Lewis Blackbird continued his inspired form with an effortless maximum to lead the side to victory, whilst Ashley Morris was also unbeaten with the exception of a Heat 10 exclusion.

Gareth Isherwood dropped just one point in the middle order following a classy display, whilst reserve Max Clegg bagged a hard-fought 11+1 on a busy night.

No.4 Dan Greenwood also recovered from a tough start to notch vital race wins in his final two rides to ensure Dudley kicked off their league campaign with a victory.

And team boss Will Pottinger was pleased to see his side eventually emerge victorious after a difficult night.

He said: "Overall I suppose you look at the level of the victory and you have to be happy, but it was a bit too close for comfort at times during the meeting.

"There are definitely things to work on, but we are pleased to take all three points in the end."

DUDLEY 56: Lewis Blackbird 15, Gareth Isherwood 12+2, Max Clegg 11+1, Ashley Morris 10+2, Dan Greenwood 8+1, Nathan Greaves 0, Paul Starke R/R KING’S LYNN 36: Lewis Rose 14+1, Shane Hazelden 7+2, Bredan Johnson 5+1, Adam Kirby 5+1, Scott Campos 3+1, Chris Widman 2+2, Lewis Kerr R/R National League points: Dudley 3 King's Lynn 0