CRADLEY have moved quickly to snap-up double National League winner Jack Smith.

The 20-year-old signed following the news that teen talent Tom Brennan is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking his leg in three places at the weekend.

Smith, son of triple British Champion Andy, has plenty of experience across all three leagues in the UK.

He burst onto the scene with Birmingham at the back end of 2015 - where he went on to win two league titles.

Smith has also gained invaluable experience in the top flight with both Belle Vue and Swindon and has made an encouraging start to the current season with Redcar in the Championship.

Heathens team boss Will Pottinger is delighted with the capture and says Smith can be a key addition to his side.

“Jack is a rider with plenty of pedigree, particularly at this level,” Pottinger said.

“He’s a reliable, proven heat-leader in the National League and he’ll be a good signing for us I’m sure.”

Smith added: “Cradley have an amazing history and to now be a part of the exciting team they’ve got this year feels amazing - I can’t wait to get going with them."

Meanwhile, Cradley held their nerve to progress through to the Knockout Cup semi-finals.

Heathens beat the Isle of Wight 46-44 in a tense affair at Monmore, sealing a ten-point aggregate victory.

Plenty of drama occurred early on, most alarmingly for the hosts when Danny Halsey wiped out team-mate Luke Harris in heat three in the first of three successive falls in a nightmare start for the ex-Mildenhall man.

And the Heathens nerves were jangling a little with seven races gone when the Warriors led on the night and were within just four-points on aggregate.

But young reserve duo Harry McGurk, who only turned 15 recently, and Tom Spencer stepped up to the plate superbly in the eighth to record a crucial sole maximum of the night.

Captain Max Clegg’s ability to win races also proved important as he inspired his team-mates to get over the line with Harris and Halsey also coming to the party to take the chequered flag in the latter stages.

Pottinger said: “It goes without saying that it was a lot closer than what we would’ve liked.

“We did our best to throw it away at times but to say we were without one of our top riders, I thought there were some encouraging signs again, particularly from the two reserves.

“But with the circumstances with Tom coming into this meeting, we’ve got to be satisfied to get the win on the night and more importantly we’ve progressed on aggregate which was our main agenda.”

Cradley head to Plymouth next Friday (May 31) before hosting Belle Vue at Monmore on Monday, June 3 (7.30pm).