Victory eludes Race (From Free Press Series)

Victory eludes Race

RACE First XI were looking to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday in Gwent County League Division Two as they entertained last season's fellow promotion winners Cefn Fforest.

Race were caught napping in the early stages of the game, gifting Cefn Fforest with chances and were lucky not to fall behind.

Race then kicked into gear and started to open up chances of their own, with striker Martin Bewick coming wide to supply crosses into the box, this supply line was continued by the tireless work of Mark Drinkwater on the right.

With several chances going astray, Race fell behind through a sucker punch after not picking up at a corner, with the header back across goal and a thunderous volley by the away striker, despite the Race keeper getting a hand to it he could not prevent it hitting the back of the net.

Chance after chance went off target as Race went into half time 1-0 down. Race got back to old ways in the second half with flowing football, with the industrious work of David Jenkins, coming deep to collect the ball and set up opportunities for side.

Lady Luck definitely was not on the Race side as chances glanced wide, numerous shots hitting the keepers' legs. Manager Mark Williams introduced returning midfielder Lee Price after time out of the game and Russell Williams to try to provide impetus, they were unable to turn the game and Race lost 1-0.

Race Second XI kept up the pressure on Prescoed at the top of Central League Division Two, with a sterling second half performance against Gilwern B to come out 3-2 winners with goals coming from Mathew Williams, two. and a Paul Cook strike.

Race First XI play Tillery United away on Saturday in the Gwent FA Amateur Cup Round Two. Kick off: 1:45pm.