Skipper Lee Smart chalked up 13 points for the Heathens against Buxton

Dudley Heathens captain Lee Smart believes his team can overturn a 10-point deficit when they travel to Buxton in the Premier League play-offs.

The Hitmen left Monmore Green with an impressive 50-40 away victory in Tuesday night's semi-final first leg.

But Smart told BBC WM: "We know we can beat them. We'll just keep going."

The return in Derbyshire is scheduled for next Sunday (17 October), a week after the two teams meet again in the Knockout Cup semi-final second leg.

Smart top scored for the Heathens on Tuesday's first leg with 13 points, supported by Micky Dyer (7).

It's the first season back and it's been awesome being captain Lee Smart

"It's our first season back, and to reach this far has obviously surprised us," added Smart. "But we'll go to Buxton with an open mind.

"They are a strong team throughout, and their power point is that they're especially strong at reserve - our reserves just weren't on their game."

One of the Hitmen's reserves is the precociously talented 15-year-old Jason Garrity, who certainly caught the eye of the Heathens skipper as he top scored with 13 points.

"To be fair I've heard a lot about him and saw him ride here the other week," said Smart.

"He's a guy who rides with his heart on his sleeve and gives 110 per cent all the time. Fair play to him. He's got the bottle."

Smart is coy about his immediate future as he may put all his energy into riding in the Premier League next season, the level at which he currently represents Stoke.

But he is eager to see the revived Dudley name etched onto some silverware before the season ends.

"It's nice to be with them," he added. "It's the first season back and it's been awesome being captain.

"I hope we can bring the Fours medal to them, and I hope to bring the National League Riders' one to them as well - it's all under Dudley's name."

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