Malcolm Vasey is in his second year as manager of Stoke Potters

Malcolm Vasey believes Stoke are "in pole position" to reach the second round of the National League Knockout Cup at the expense of holders Buxton.

The Potters narrowly lost the first leg 45-44 at the Hi-Edge Raceway on Sunday.

"I'm satisfied with the result and I feel that we are now in pole position [to go through]," said manager Vasey.

The second leg of the tie, at Stoke's Loomer Road track on Saturday, will be the Potters' first competitive home fixture of the 2011 season.

Jason Garrity, who rode as a guest in place of Simon Lambert, scored 11 points for the Potters at Buxton, while Tim Webster continued his good start to the season with 10 points.

Ben Reade scored three points on his return from a neck injury.

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