Defensive mistakes cost Racing Club second successive victory

A goal midway through the first half from Tez Morton was enough to give Racers a winning start at Lichfield City on Saturday and, although they followed it up with a 3-2 home defeat to Alvis, Hayden said a 6-5 win would not have flattered his side.

“Three mistakes have cost us,” said Hayden, who accepted responsibility for the first goal after again being forced to don the keeper’s gloves.

“We’ve hit the underside of the bar, the post, seen two great saves and had two kept off the line.

“Defensively we were very good on Saturday but the three we conceded (against Alvis) came from a lack of experience.

“But to play the way we did against a side who will be challenging in the top three, if not for promotion, augurs well.

“On another day it could have been 6-5 to us.”

Racing Club found themselves 2-0 down to Alvis inside 34 minutes, with Stephen Evans scoring both, the second from the spot.

However, they got back on level terms courtesy of Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and Jason Davies to spark wild celebrations.

And despite Luke O’Kane netting an 86th-minute winner for the visitors, Hayden says that any apprehension he felt ahead of his maiden season as a manager has quickly subsided.

“I was nervous going into Saturday.

“I knew we had quality but because we were untested you never know when a lack of experience will let you down.

“We’ve had two 17-year-olds and 18 and a 19-year-old in the side but we’ve shown maturity beyond our years.”

Racing Club continue their league campaign tomorrow with a home clash against Littleton.