Lee Smart scored 14 points to help Stoke to an unlikely victory

Stoke Potters edged past Birmingham Brummies 48-42 in the Premier League at Loomer Road on Saturday, despite losing three riders to injury.

Stoke were without Jason Bunyan, Taylor Poole and Adam Roynon, and were eight points down after five heats.

But Lee Smart [14] and Hynek Stichauer [12] led the way for the home side, who sealed victory in the final heat.

"The lads were magnificent tonight and they deserved the win," said Potters manager Malcolm Vasey.

"There was a real belief in the side and a fighting spirit that perhaps has not been as evident as it was tonight.

Before the meeting we told the riders to be ruthless and they certainly were after a tentative start. Potters manager Malcolm Vasey

"To come from eight points down and win by six points is no mean achievement against a side managed by Graham Drury and of the quality of Birmingham.

"Before the meeting we told the riders to be ruthless and they certainly were after a tentative start."

Stoke, who were beaten 55-38 by Somerset on Friday night, had already lost to the Brummies on four occasions this season; twice in challenge matches and twice in the Premier Trophy.

The two teams meet again on 16 June at Perry Barr.

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