Racers determined to pile the pressure on Heather

Racing Club Warwick manager Scott Easterlow says he has not given up on the title after seeing his side trim Heather St Johns’ lead at the top to eight points on Saturday.
Ben Mackey fires home his first of the game. Pictures: Louise SmithBen Mackey fires home his first of the game. Pictures: Louise Smith
Ben Mackey fires home his first of the game. Pictures: Louise Smith

A deserved home victory for Racers in the penultimate home match of the season, coupled with draws for the leaders and third-placed Atherstone, put a different complexion on the table ahead of the trip to Heather on Saturday.

And Easterlow says he is determined to crank up the pressure on the long-time leaders who round off the season with tricky fixtures against Uttoxeter, Studley and Atherstone after facing his side.

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“What added gloss to our win this weekend was that both Heather and Atherstone dropped points,” he said.

Henry Leaver produces a perfectly timed challenge.Henry Leaver produces a perfectly timed challenge.
Henry Leaver produces a perfectly timed challenge.

“With all that in mind we should bounce into this weekend’s massive game now against Heather.

“It’s a must-win game for us really and if we can get the three points that would put us five points behind with a game in hand.

“So hopefully we can doa job on them this weekend coming and see if they can handle the pressure.

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“Five games to go and we will be going all out to win them all and secure a promotion for this football club, the first for a very long time and one that the club needs.

Tempers flare.Tempers flare.
Tempers flare.

“It’s crunch time and time for us to step up and deliver the goods.”

Ben Mackey’s 29th and 30th goals of the season helped secure back-to-back wins for Racing Club and Easterlow said the importance of the last-minute winner at Chelmsley the previous week could not be understated.

“We played some good stuff Saturday as predicted.

“I think the win last week seemed to give us the confidence to get the ball down and get back to playing the way we have for most of the season.

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“We fully deserved the win and against a good side who will present a problem for Atherstone and Heather when they play them in the next couple of weeks.”

The home side made an explosive start with Joe Smith heading home in the second minute.

The dangerous Sean Brain equalised for Studley in the 13th minute, smashing the ball home after Charlie Bannister could only push out a shot.

However, Mackey restored the lead ten minutes later, producing a fine half-volleyed finish to round off a great Racers move.

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Mackey added his second of the afternoon and his 30th of the season when he prodded home in the 42nd minute and Danny Bartle added a fourth eight minutes into the second half after good work from Mackey.

It was looking like a drubbing but Studley regrouped and Brain reduced the deficit, latching on to a long ball and coolly slotting home.