Racers end promising season with nothing to show for it

A PROMISING season ended in disappointment for Racing Club as they were comprehensively beaten in the final of the Les James Challenge Cup by Feckenham.

The Midland Combination Division One side had already disposed of top-flight opposition in Castle Vale, Bartley Green and Nuneaton Griff en route to the final, but Racers failed to heed the warning, with a Stuart Hall double and a Brendan Hicks strike condemning them to a second cup final defeat in 12 days.

Both teams looked nervy in a scrappy opening, but Racing Club had the first chance when Martin Crawford.shot wide from the edge of the box.

Feckenham went ahead in the 12th minute when a long clearance out of defence was misjudged by the Racing Club defence to allow Hicks to loop a header over keeper Perry Cox.

Racers responded well but were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal when Hall was on hand to sidefoot home from close range after a free-kick was not cleared.

Racers almost pulled one back before the break but they were denied by the crossbar.

The second half followed the pattern of the first, with Racing Club bossing possession but failing to find the killer instinct in front of goal.

Feckenham, for all their defending, were still looking dangerous on the break and sealed the tie with a fine third, Hall shooting home from 25 yards for his second of the game.

Racing Club rounded off their Midland Combination Premier Division programme last night with a trip to Walsall Wood.

The fixture was rearranged after Saturday’s game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Meanwhile, Jason Cadden has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial role at Townsend Meadow.

The former Leamington boss was number two to Morton Titterton at Stratford.

However, after a disappointing Midland Alliance season which saw Town fail to mount a promotion push and dumped out of the FA Vase by Racing Club, Carl Adams has been brought in to work alongside Titterton as joint manager.

Adams’ appointment has resulted in Cadden leaving his role as assistant manager, but contrary to reports, he has not left the club, with the possibility of filling another role still an option.

“My commitment was not what it should be,” admitted Cadden, who moved to the DCS Stadium in September 2010.

“Morts has asked me to stay on in a coaching capacity, but I’m still thinking about it.

“My lad starts school in September and I’m thinking of coming out of it for a year and taking a break.

“The Racing Club job would be a massive commitment.

“It’s hard work and a lot of effort and time when you’ve got Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, especially when you’ve got a family.

“And you don’t get a lot of thanks for what you do.”