Smith and Thomas doubles ease Racers through

With keeper Ash Malholtra delayed by an accident on the motorway, centre-back Michael Crawford was forced to play the first 11 minutes in goal, during which time he conceded the opener.

However, Racers took control of the tie with three goals in 18 minutes courtesy of Craig Thomas, Danny Charlton and Tyron Smith to go in 3-1 up at the break.

Indecision from Malholtra gifted Stockingford a second after the interval and another defensive mistake allowed the visitors to draw level from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.

Racers regained the lead through Ricardo Richards ten minutes later and, after Stockingford had had a players sent off for a second bookable offence, added two further goals, with both Smith and Thomas doubling their tallies.

Manager Lee Knight praised the contribution of Smith and Richards, who have formed a formidable strike partnership since Smith returned to the club.

However, the in-form duo will have to be put on ice for the coming weeks as Racing Club are without a game until New Year’s Eve when they travel to Bartley Green.

“Its’ absolutely ridiculous,” said Knight. “We could be six games behind some clubs by then and it’s going to be hard to catch back up.”