Eastbourne are ready to keep racing with six men in the quest for National League honours.

And that means giving Richard Andrews as long as possible to recover from injury, Eagles host champions and leaders Cradley Heathens today (3.30pm) in the biggest meeting at Arlington so far this year without the services of their popular third heat-leader.

Andrews could be out for several weeks with a broken thumb.

The Devonian racer has made a huge impact both on and off the track, where he is a big part of the impressive team spirit struck up by the current line-up.

Eagles are loathe to replace him with a new signing and, even if they had a change of heart, would struggle to find the right man within his current average of 6.86.

Bradley Wilson-Dean, who is now at No.1, will be the only rider who cannot take one of Andrews’ rides when Cradley visit.

Eastbourne have rejigged their riding order and believe they will be strong enough to offer some payback for the last-heat defeat they suffered in the West Midlands a month ago.

Team manager Glenn Martin said: “I still think we are quite strong with Rich out.

“We don’t want to replace him in the team.

“We are still waiting to hear what happens when he has his scan next Friday but he has done really well for us.

“I think it would very difficult to find someone to fill that gap.

“As things stand, we are okay with rider-replacement.”

Eagles will hope for a stronger all-round display than that which saw them lose 47-42 at Birmingham in the Knockout Cup on Wednesday.

Although that scoreline leaves them well-placed for the home leg, they are aware they fell away towards of the meeting for the third time in a row on the road.

Martin does not argue with a suggestion that only Wilson-Dean and reserve Georgie Wood really performed at Perry Barr.

Wood has almost doubled his starting average – from 3.00 to 5.91 – and is not too far away from replacing Mattie Bates in the main body of the team.

Martin said: “I am sure we will win on Sunday but we need everyone to knuckle down and perform.

”That is especially the case when we are without a rider.

“I think David Mason will go better at home than he has been doing away.

“There will be less pressure on him now he is away from the No.1 spot.

“And I think Brad will enjoy being No.1. He will want it even more.

“Adam Ellis broke the Birmingham track record twice against us on Wednesday and that was because Brad was chasing him.

“Ellis knew he was in a race and that’s a rider who has been beating people in the Elite League this year.”

Martin hopes to get more out of Bates by moving him to No.2 to partner Wilson-Dean.

Mason drops to No.4 and will take the replacement ride in heat 12, giving him three races off his preferred inside gates.

Martin admitted: “It will be a tough meeting.

“It’s Cradley and a lot of them are firing.”

Ellis Perks moves into the main body of the Heathens team as new averages come into play.

Michael Neale drops to reserve.