Change of personnel but the same old story for Racing Club

Racers boss Tony Clarke gave debuts to young prospects Jason Davies (Burton Albion), Jamie O’Meara (Evesham United) and Jack Banks (Pilkington XXX) as he looked to lift his side off the bottom of the table, but it was the third-placed visitors who struck first through Joe Boggild to lead at the break.

Luke Wilson levelled from the spot for the home side, but as the heavy pitch tok its toll on Racers, Atherstone went 3-1 up courtesy of goals from Lawrence O’Neill and David Yonwin.

With ten minutes remaining, Racing Club gave themselves a lifeline thanks to a quality finsh from Davies, but despite the addition of another Burton youngster in Arran Dylan, the home side were unable to get back on level terms.

Racing Club have to look back to September for their last league win, but despite their sorry run of form, Clarke believes Saturday’s defeat emphasised the fine margins between success and failure in the division.

“Overall there was no difference between the two teams technically,” said Clarke. “But Atherstone wanted it more collectively as befits a team who are sitting third in the league.”

Racers have the chance of a rare double tomorrow when they travel to Brocton, the last team they beat in the league.

And, despite having failed to pick up three points since succeeding Curly O’Callaghan at Townsend Meadow, Clarke believes there is still cause for optimism.

“We have had a shake-up in staff and have got fresh, young, new players joining us.

“The run-in to the end of the season will be very tough but with the squad looking stronger we will get to where we want to be I am sure.

“I am feeling upbeat about the next few weeks and the run-in. We will see who is committed and who wants to play for the club.

“Survival is the reality we face so we will, and have, to pull together to succeed.

“I knew this would test me as a person, a coach and now a manager and I am still enjoying the challenge both on and off the pitch.”