Rousing response at Pilkington gives O’Callaghan hope

Wednesday night’s 3-2 defeat at Pilkington XXX followed a 2-1 home reverse to Pelsall Villa, but O’Callaghan has seen plenty of encouraging signs, especially in the second-half performance at the Triplex Sports Association Ground.

Racing Club trailed 3-0 at half-time and then saw Nathan Edgington sent off for a second bookable offence, but inspired by substitutes Ed Kostuck and Mark Anderson, they almost forced a draw.

David Bailey and Luke Wilson brought them to within a goal of their hosts and O’Callaghan was delighted with their reaction to a half-time dressing down.

“We gave some cheap goals away,” said O’Callaghan. “But it was a completely different showing in the second half.

“We came close to snatching something from an impossible sitution and as long as we keep on grafting and working hard for each other the results will come.”

O’Callaghan kicked off his reign last Saturday with a home defeat to Pelsall Villa.

A tame first half saw both keepers under-employed, with Kevin Tobin’s only contribution of note being to pick the ball out of the net after Daniel Battison’s 25-yarder had arrowed into the top corner.

Paul Wilkinson missed a gilt-edged chance to bring the home side level when he headed straight at Pelsall keeper Andrew Hughes from close range.

And, from Hughes’ throw-out, Craig Smith hared down the left wing before sending in a cross which was diverted into his own net by Aaron Cheshire.

David Bailey halved the deficit with a neat finish in the 89th minute after an assist from substitute Ed Kostuck.

Kostuck still had a chance to gain Racing Club a share of the spoils in the dying seconds.

However, after a driving run into the box, the striker’s fierce shot was beaten away by Hughes.