Race toils but fails (From Free Press Series)

Race toils but fails

Gwent FA Amateur Cup Round Two

Tillery United 2 Race 1

RACE were left mystified by how they were knocked out of the Gwent FA Amateur Cup on Saturday.

Despite dominating from start to finish, they crashed out of round two after a 2-1 defeat at Tillery United.

Race played some good football in the first half, controlled by the midfield pairing of Mark Drinkwater and Lee Price, with defensive quartet of Clark, Goodchild, Proudman and Murphy standing firm.

Manager Mark Williams' new strategy seemed to be paying off, as an inside pass from Lee Price about 20 yards from goal was superbly connected to by Mark Drinkwater, who gave the keeper no chance with his thunderous drive.

Shaun Berry was back in form, counter-attacking down the left, providing a supply line to the forward pairing of Russell Williams and David Jenkins. Race found themselves 1-0 up at the break, but then went back into their shells and Tillery were awarded a dubious penalty on 70 minutes, which they converted.

Tillery's winner came from a corner, and a shot from 15 yards through a crowded box, into the bottom corner.

"One Saturday a team are going to be on the end of a thumping from the Race, if the side just keeps going, they will have the luck, and all our chances will go in," commented a disappointed club spokesman.

Race Second XI continued their impressive form with comfortable 5-3 win at home to Abergavenny Thursdays.