Studley sneak a win but Racers show resolve at Atherstone

A heavy pitch meant it was not a game for the purists, but Racers will be disappointed not to have come away with something after a spirited second-half display.

The hosts had been lucky to go in just one goal down at the break, however, with Studley seemingly a yard quicker and Racing Club’s tackling almost non-existent.

That they did not is credit to diminutive keeper Conal Dowling who pulled off several fine saves to deny the visitors.

Twice he thwarted Dan Carter from point-blank range before finally being beaten on the half-hour, with Hewitt producing a crisp finish on the half-volley after Racing Club had failed to clear their lines.

Dowling was again called into action to prevent what looked a certain goal for Sam Wills minutes before the break and encouraged by their let-off, Racing Club looked a much-improved outfit after the break.

Pressing Studley from the front, they had the pick of the chances, with Ryan Langmead getting too much purchase on a volley and Josh Tiff sending a free-kick skidding past the post.

Langmead again went close with a cross-shot before wasting the best opportunity of the match with five minutes remaining.

Jordan Cullinone-Liburd did superbly to dig out a cross to the far post which caused panic among the Studley rearguard.

Keeper Richard Taylor went to ground in the melee and, as the ball bounced up, Langmead got his head to the ball only to see it fall into the grateful arms of the prone keeper.

Substitute John Harker glanced a header wide as Racing Club pressed and they almost conceded a second in injury time when Jordan Porter muscled his way through on goal, only for Dowling to claim his goalbound shot at full stretch.

Ten-man Racing Club fought back from 2-0 down to salvage a point at Atherstone on Tuesday night.

Racers trailed 1-0 at the break having seen Josh Tiff sent off for a second bookable offence.

However, despite them conceding a second, a penalty from Mark Turton brought Racers back into the game and the revival was complete when Jamie Corrigan produced a stunning overhead kick to make it 2-2.

Racers make the trip to Earlswood Town tomorrow (3pm).