Richards inspires united Racers

RAcers manager Lee Knight heaped the praise on his side after they bounced back from defeat at Nuneaton Griff to end Bloxwich’s seven-match league winning streak.

A Ricardo Richards double pushed Racing Club up to tenth in the Midland Combination Premier ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Earlswood Town.

However, while Richards grabbed the headlines, Knight said it was the all-round team display which was the most pleasing aspect of the win.

“The way we dug in and worked against a team that was flying made it the most pleasing home win of the season,” said Knight. “We just seem to be able to bounce back from every defeat. The workrate was great and it was our most professional team performance.”

While Racers’ impressive sequence of just two defeats in their last 11 league and cup matches may have come too late for a promotion push, Knight believes the season can still end on a high.

Racing Club remain in three cup competitions and hold games in hand on the majority of the teams above them in the league.

The return to fitness of Tyron Smith and Ashley Pulisciano and Junior Brown’s availability for midweek games further strengthens Knight’s hand and he says there is no reason why his side cannot see out the campaign undefeated.

“There’s still a hell of a lot to play for. If we can stay injury-free I can’t see many teams beating us.

“We’ve got a load of quality in the side and when we dig in and battle and have a real good go our quality will shine through.

“There’s no reason why we can’t go to the end of the season unbeaten.”

Meanwhile, Knight has dismissed speculation linking him with moves to two clubs in the Midland Alliance.

“I’ve spoken to Bob [Dhillon] and told him I’m staying until the end of the season at least.

“We’ve still got three cup competitions and we want to kick on.

“I don’t want to get to the point where the emphasis is on me rather than the team, they don’t deserve that.”