Herlihy’s back but Racers still lack bite

Trailing 2-0 at half-time, Racing Club were on the receiving end of a contentious penalty decision two minutes into the second half.

However, they pulled it back to 3-2 thanks to goals from Luke Wilson and Ben Purser, only to concede two killer late goals.

Manager Tony Clarke said the absence of four first-team players was a mitigating factor but admitted his players need to improve the physical side of their game if they are to move away from the Midland Combination Premier relegation zone.

“Having Stuart Herilly back was a massive boost for us,” said Clarke.

“However, we are lightweight in a few areas.

“We can play when we get the ball down but when we have to compete and apply the physical side we are falling way short at the moment.

“So I am busy looking at other options and working hard to try and bolster the team with the level of footballer required.”

Racing Club have picked up just one point from their last 24 in the league to leave them just a point off the bottom of the table.

And Clarke said that if they are to arrest the slide, the players need to stand up and be counted.

“We had a good chat after the Lichfield game as I am a big believer in working with your players,” he said.

“They have to realise they need to take responsibility individually and collectively once they step out on to the pitch.

“All of this amounts to a work in progress throughout the club so as long as we are all in it together I am confident we will get to where we want to be.”

Racing Club are without a game tomorrow, but return to action a week on Saturday when they face Leamington Hibs in the Les James Challenge Cup.

 Racing Club are looking for a new youth team manager and under-18 players to bolster their squad.

Anyone interested should contact Phil Haycock on 07793 731835.