Racers are on the right road after beating Highway

The Coventry Alliance champions have lost key players since clinching the title last season, but still posed a real threat to the Midland Combination Premier side.

However, after letting the visitors back into the game at 2-1, Racers reasserted their authority to run out comfortable 4-1 winners and O’Callaghan said it was no more than they deserved.

“I thought we bossed the game,” said O’Callaghan. “There were a few nerves when we didn’t add the second goal before half-time, but I told them at the break to relax and keep playing and we were camped in their half for the second period.

“I was a bit disappointed with the goal we conceded as it could have been dealt with better but overall it was a good performance and it is a nice cup to be involved in.”

Racing Club were quickly out of the traps and deservedly went in front in the 13th minute when Luke Wilson drilled the ball home from 12 yards after a corner was only partially cleared.

The home side were content to sit back on their lead and Kev Tobin had to produce two smart saves to preserve his clean sheet.

Sparked into life, Racers created four superb chances to double their advantage in the closing stages of the half.

Ben Purser was denied by the feet of the keeper after a smart piece of skill from Ed Kostiuk on the edge of the Highway area, while Alex Unitt drilled the ball over the bar from a good position. Kostiuk then got too much purchase on a lob after turning the last man, while Purser’s shot when clean through lacked conviction, allowing the visiting keeper to block with his legs.

At the other end, a rare Highway attack brought a clear sight of goal, only for an an excellent covering challenge from Craig Richey to avert the danger.

Highway were the first to threaten after the break, with a 40-yard effort almost catching out Tobin.

However, a minute later Racers were 2-0 up, Purser rising highest to nod home a Liam Given cross.

Paul Wilkinson brought out a fine save from the Highway keeper before the visitors scored a goal out of nothing, curling in a fine free-kick from 25 yards.

Racers responded well, with Wilkinson glancing a header wide and Kostiuk firing into the side netting after a neat lay-off from Purser.

With 15 minutes remaining, Racers received a huge let-off when the Highway number two could only balloon the ball over the bar from four yards after being presented with an open goal.

The miss seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors and Racing Club were given breathing space when Purser turned the ball home from close range.

Kostiuk shot just past the post after a fine flowing move and Richey was unlucky not to find the target as Highway sensed the game was up.

A fourth goal eventually came, with Purser given the honours after being brought down in the box.

The lanky striker duly sent the keeper the wrong way to complete his hat-trick, with only a brave last-ditch challenge in the final action of the match denying him a fourth.

Racing Club return to league action tomorrow when they travel to Stafford Town.