Mildenhall defeat Stoke Potters in first leg of final

Simon Lambert did not ride for Stoke in the win over Newport on Saturday

The Knockout Cup final is delicately poised after Mildenhall defeated Stoke 51-43 in the first leg at West Row.

The Potters trailed by 18 points after 10 heats but closed the gap to eight points, thanks to an 18-point maximum from number one rider Simon Lambert.

"I'm pleased that we have pulled the tie around because at one stage things looked very grim," said Stoke team manager Malcolm Vasey.

The second leg is at Stoke's Loomer Road track on Saturday, 22 October.