Fuller returns as Racers hit back

There appeared to be no way back for Fuller, who after being named as a substitute for the previous week’s defeat against Castle Vale, failed to emerge from the dressing room for the second half.

Manager Lee Knight released Fuller, saying the player had backed him into a corner after a string of disciplinary issues.

However, following an apology from the player, Knight handed him a second chance, naming him on the bench for the trip to the TSA Sports Ground.

Fuller repaid his manager’s faith with an impressive half-hour cameo and Knight said the matter was now closed.

“Luke Fuller has apologised to me, the club and the players,” he said.

“We can’t cut off our nose to spite our face.

“Nobody is bigger than the club.

“He’s made a mistake, owned up and apologised and we’ll move on.”

Racing Club dominated the first half at Pilkington, but failed to turn their pressure into goals and were hit by a sucker punch when Mal Power opened the scoring for the hosts in the 55th minute.

Tyrone Smith came off the bench to fire home Racers’ equaliser and, even allowing for three fine saves from Ash Malholtra, Knight felt the three points would not have flattered his side.

And, despite Racers being without a league win since November 5, Knight is not unduly worried.

“The end of the season will be a true reflection of where we are and what we have got to build on,” said Knight.

“We’re progressing and if you take the first three games out we haven’t lost back to back matches all season.

“You have to remember that we’re still a fairly new team.”

n Racing Club beat AFC Wulfrunians 5-3 on penalties in the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup on Wednesday night.

The tie had finished 3-3, with Ricardo Richards scoring all Racers’ goals before getting sent off.

Racers are in cup action again tomorrow when they entertain Stockingford in the quarter-final of the Coventry Charity Cup (3pm).