A LATE fightback from Racing Club Warwick was in vain after crashing out of the FA Vase in a 3-2 defeat to Long Eaton United.
Going three goals behind to the visitors from Derbyshire, the Racers brought themselves back into contention with two late strikes.
But with time against them and a late goalmouth scramble proving fruitless, Warwick were left to contemplate a first-round exit.
The visitors looked the side most likely to break the deadlock and went close to scoring through Jude Brittain’s free kick that beat Charlie Bannister, but narrowly cleared the frame of goal.
Down the other end, Chris Johnston played through Trea Bertie for the only clear chance of the half for the hosts – the effort gliding inches past the post.
A push from Kevin Thornton on David Kolodynski gave the referee no choice but to point to the spot before half-time, with the resulting penalty being fired home by Niall Towle.
Kolodynski made his mark on the scoreline two minutes after the restart when meeting Towle’s cross, moments before the pair swapped roles to make it 3-0 from close range.
The third goal seemingly kicked Warwick into life, albeit aided by a misplaced back pass, as Dale Wigmore fired home to launch an unexpected fightback.
Sean Castleton then unleashed a strike that wrong-footed the Long Eaton keeper and made its way into the net to step up the comeback bid.
A 20-yard effort from Kevin Thornton crashed against the bar at the death, before a scramble in the box following Adam Miles’ cut-back ensued.
The visitors were able to clear and survive the close call, sending them through to the second round at the Racers’ expense.
Warwick visit AFC Wulfrunians in the Midland Football League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).
