Football
Racing reach Ricoh cup final

RACING Club Warwick booked their place in the Coventry Charity Cup final following a hard fought 1-0 success over Stockton on Tuesday night.

Martin Crawford proved the hero by grabbing the only goal of a keenly contested semi-final at Southam United’s Banbury Road ground.

Crawford pounced midway through the first half by firing home the rebound after keeper Gavin Campbell had blocked his initial effort.

Craig Watkin went closest for the Coventry Alliance outfit when his shot rattled the bar in the second half but Racing held on to reach the final in which they will face either Christ The King or Hawkesmill at the Ricoh Arena on Friday, April 27.

It ensured Racing put the disappointment of being thrown out of the Birmingham County FA Midweek Flooodlit Challenge Cup final firmly behind them.

Racing reached the final by beating West Midlands League Premier Division leaders Black Country Rangers 2-0 in the last four and were due to meet Gornal Athletic in the final at Solihull Moors on Wednesday, April 4.

But Racing fielded central defender Melvin Gourlay who was ineligible having already played for Rugby Town in a Birmingham Senior Cup tie against Banbury United.

Racing were expelled from the competition at a Birmingham County FA hearing and their place in the final will be taken by Black Country Rangers.

Racing recovered from the setback by putting one foot into the final of the Les James Memorial Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Racing recorded a healthy 3-0 victory at Division One hosts Knowle in the first leg of the semi-final thanks to strikes from Dan Charlton 2 and Tyron Smith.

The second leg takes place at Hampton Road on Saturday, April 7.

Racing return to Athium Midland Combination Premier Division action when they visit Brocton this Saturday before entertaining Walsall Wood on Tuesday (7.45pm).

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