King's Lynn Young Stars will need to make up 14 points to win the National League title after suffering a 53-40 away defeat at Dudley on Tuesday night.

Table topping Dudley started the first leg of the play-off final with three heat consecutive advantages to leave the Young Stars eight points behind after the first three races. Lynn's number one Robert Lambert had a disappointing start to the meeting, suffering a retirement and a fall in his first two races.

Captain Lewis Kerr and Josh Bailey gave the Norfolk side their first race advantage of the tie in heat six. Kerr got the better of the Heathens number one Lewis Blackbird to register his second race win.

By the end of heat 10, the Young Stars had been on the receiving end of three home heat advantages which put them 12 points behind, which allowed team manager Dale Allitt to nominate Lambert for double points in heat 11. The youngster won the race with team-mate Darren Mallett able to finish in third place to give the Young Stars a valuable 7-2 advantage.

Heats 13 and 14 went the way of the home side, and a final level heat resulted in the Young Stars finishing 13 points adrift of the Heathens. Wednesday night will determine the league champions, and the Young Stars will be determined to make up the points difference on home shale.

Action at the Norfolk Arena gets underway at 7.30pm with gates opening at 6pm. Admission prices: Adults: £10, Concessions: £8, Juniors (12-15 Years Old): £4, Kids under 11: free