Atletico were most definitely not at the racers as Club Warwick made the most of a
below par performance to capitalise with a second half goal, in a tale of two penalties.
Due to injuries and unavailability, and the midweek departure of Nathan Walker, a patched
up backline for Hinckley saw JJ Melligan start at right back with Sam Brooks making his
debut in the centre on his return from a long injury lay off. Jean Kalenda and Darious Darkin
both returned to the centre midfield after injuries, and the unfamiliarity of the side
was evident from the kick off. However AFC were gifted a perfect opportunity in the twelfth
minute when Luke Richards was brought down inside the area by keeper Josh Banks. Unfortunately
for the second week running Marco Adaggio failed to convert from the spot with Banks making
the save. With the heavy rain and wind stifling play there was little else of note in front
of goal for the rest of the half.
The second half was as dour as the first. Darkin saw his long range effort beat Banks but cannoned
back off the inside of the post, before Alex Morris lunged in inside the area on the hour
returning the favour and gifting a penalty to Warwick. Chris Dusabe stepped to take the kick,
which was equally as poor and Tom Cross made the save in the AFC goal, however Dusabe was
quickest to react and converted from the rebound giving Racing the lead. Atletico created a
number of chances in the final 30 minutes but failed to convert any, Richards found space and
his curling shot was saved at full length by Banks, and Sean Williams saw his header beat
Banks and cleared off the line. When AFC did have the ball in the net it was ruled out for an
offside flag, and it was clearly not going to happen for Atletico when in a goal mouth scramble
plenty of flying legs were aiming for the ball, but it popped out of the mess and just trickled
past the outside of the post. AFC would have to chalk this up as 'one of those games' and go
again the following week.
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Racing Club Warwick match details
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