Piaggio NRG starting issue?

Adam..I need your help again..LOL !!!

My wife was riding her NRG yesterday with no problems..slowed down a bit, went to accellerate and the engine died..have not been able to start it since...

What i.ve one so far..
1, Checked plug..good spark (plug only done about 50 miles as it's new - orange spark)

2, dismantled and cleaned carb, checked jets, fuel lines.

3. Checked compression - normal compression for this type of bike I think, feel plenty of back pressure on finger

4. when trying to kick start, the engine turns but will not fire, after a few attempts there will be a small backfire from the exhaust.

5. plug is not wet when removed (infact bone dry) and is gapped correctly.

Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated
I am about to go and buy a new spark plug just in case it is in someway faulty - but I don't think it is !!.

Thanks