Atkin scored seven points in the victory at Newport on Sunday

Skipper Tony Atkin believes Stoke Potters have fired a warning to the rest of the National League with their impressive start to the 2011 season.

Stoke won 50-43 at Newport in their opening fixture on Sunday, after being unbeaten in three challenge matches.

"Until we had a few meetings, it was difficult to tell what sort of strength we had," Atkin told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Sunday opened my eyes a bit. Everyone is scoring well and some teams are going to get a walloping hopefully."

The Potters have also been been boosted by the news that Ben Reade was not seriously hurt in a crash at Newport.

We are firing well at the moment and should be able to cover for Ben Reade if he isn't right Tony Atkin

It was feared Reade may have broken his neck, but it has been confirmed that he has only suffered ligament and muscle damage.

However, he is unlikely to ride against Hackney at Lakeside on Friday.

"I think we were all pretty confident that he was alright, but you can't take chances with things like that," added Atkin.

"The most important thing for Ben is to make sure he's fit and well.

"The rest of us are firing well at the moment and we should be able to cover for him if he isn't right."

Stoke are riding in the third tier of British speedway for the first time this year, having taken the decision to drop down from the Premier League at the end of 2010.

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