Ten-man Heather hit back to deny Racers

Racing Club failed to build on a stunning start to their home clash with the Midland Combination Premier Division leaders, letting slip a two-goal lead to succumb to their 14th defeat of the season.

Tyron Smith poked the ball home after only 32 seconds to give the home side the lead and, with Racers playing some attractive stuff, Leon Thomas doubled the advantage in the 11th minute.

Heather were clearly rattled by the home side’s start, but gave themselves a lifeline in the 19th minute.

Ollie Manuel, who had already pulled off a stunning reflex save to keep out a strike from Antonio Williams, looked to be at fault, with Ashley Spencer’s shot from the edge of the box creeping in despite the Racers stopper getting a hand to the ball.

Spencer’s involvement lasted just 18 more minutes, with the midfielder sent off for kicking out at Lee Knight after the player-boss had caught him with a late hack.

Knight, who needed treatment, received yellow for his challenge, with Williams and Thomas also booked for their parts in the ensuing melee.

Little was seen of the home side as an attacking force after the break, but despite Heather bossing possession, they failed to create any clearcut chances.

However, just as Racing were sensing a famous win, three goals in a nine-minute spell underlined the visitors’ title credentials.

First, substitute Daniel Douglas was left unattended in the six-yard box to head Chris Waldrum’s free-kick past a static Manuel.

Four minutes later, Chris Tollin produced a moment of real quality, curling in a sublime free-kick to give his side the lead.

And, with Racing chasing the game, a long clearance from the Heather keeper was guided over the exposed Manuel by Matt Brown to kill off the game.

Knight revealed after the match that Manuel had left Townsend Meadow, with the former Southam keeper reacting badly to post-match criticism from his fellow players and manager.

“To be fair, he made two or three stunning saves,” said Knight.

“But I spoke to him on Saturday and said he cost us three goals

“He should have dealt with the first and he should have claimed the corner for the second. His starting position was all wrong for the fourth as well.

“If he can’t take a bit of criticism I can’t tolerate that.

“It’s not just been from me, it’s been from some of the lads, asking a bit more from him.

“We need the players to be pulling together and I’m looking to bring someone new in for Saturday’s trip to Walsall Wood.”