RACING CLUB WARWICK 2-2 DESBOROUGH TOWN: THE MATCH REPORT & THE REMAINING IMAGES...

 Brave Desborough Frustrate Racers…

Racing Club Warwick 2-2 Desborough Town

The Mowdog’s thoughts…

The first period of this match was quite a joy to watch, as Warwick played some smart football and created a number of goal chances, whereas their guests defended really well, yet on the occasional break offered some real threat too.

Desboro’ clipped the goal-frame three times before the break, once from the clever Rico Duggan’s drive after Archie Elmore’s low shot had been smothered by home goalie Brad Catlow. Duggan also clipped the face of the bar from one of his corners but when impressive Town left-back Simeone Okoro hammered an 18 yard effort against the inside of the right post, midfielder Kai Little was lurking to lift the rebound into the roof of the net. 

0-1...

Catlow saved well from Liam Broath’s close range attempt too in a really breathless opening period but visiting gloveman Adam Honour distinguished himself before the break by saving really well from both Luke Shearer and powerful left-back Archie Hamp but that second save was special as Honour’s instinctive touch on the ball sent it only just over the crossbar.

Cam Ebbutt, always prominent for the Racers, shot too high, Josh Parsons headed wide at the far post from Hamp’s centre then rammed a 16 yard shot against the crossbar, whilst a Hamp shot fizzed past the right pole.

It was fitting that  Ebbutt should equalise for his team and that Shearer should provide the assist, for both had looked lively during the opening 45. Ebbutt played a one-two with his striker colleague at the edge of the penalty-box and shot a low 17 yarder into the net via the foot of the left upright.

1-1...

Strangely, after the recess, RCW’s smooth play became less visible and Desborough’s resolve toughened, soon retaking the lead from defender Arjun Hundal’s pass through the centre. The strong running Will Russell latched onto the ball, as both Jay DLionga and Kyle Barnett seemed uncertain, then the winger shot low past Catlow from just inside the 18 yard box.

1-2...

It became frustrating for the Racers from then on, being unable to make their passing game result in much creativity, or indeed clear goalscoring chances, although Hamp drove in two decent shots from the edge of the penalty-area and and replacement Niall Rooney was not quite able to reach up to a left-side centre at the far post. It was proving more difficult to penetrate the Desborough rearguard in which skipper Aaron Davies, Liam Honour and the rampaging and clever-footed Okoro were resolute and at times outstanding.

The equaliser which I guess no-one would have begrudged Warwick came when a hoisted, left-wing centre from downtown by substitute Oli Mulders bounced at the near post for Shearer to launch himself at and flick a header over the surprised Adam Honour.

2-2...

No winner was forthcoming for the frustrated hosts however and it was the impish Duggan who seemed more likely to score for the guests. He shot off target from a free-kick, had another set-piece easily saved and stabbed a late effort wide of the near post, following splendid work by Okoro. Little, who was industrious throughout saw a shot deflected too but subsequently, the game ended rather untidily, with Desborough in fairly decent control and RCW wondering where their earlier ascendancy had disappeared to. 

The final words…    

On the first period form though, the Racers could be very worth watching this term and Desborough will surely be tough to beat, for their defence was controlled, their midfield hardworking and their forwards all willing. Duggan was clever on the ball, whilst Russell ran smoothly in possession and Elmore led the line with confidence and authority, without getting the service a central striker deserves and thrives upon.

Warwick’s midfielders were generally good to watch, led by Ebbutt’s graft and skilled passing and added to by James Hancocks’ fight and positional sense, whilst Callum Carsley picked up possession deep for the team. 

Had the Racers’ finishing been more accurate in the opening period, Desborough would clearly have struggled to hang in there but their stubbornness to remain in contention was admirable on the day. 

Warwick couldn’t maintain their cut and thrust as the game wore on and that allowed their guests to believe more in themselves and they worked the home defenders hard on a number of occasions too. 

Hamp was a real plus for the hosts, his tall, galloping frame proving a real problem to stop and he is likely to weigh in with some goals this season, as is Shearer, whose ball control was delightful at times.

A decent entertainment on a pleasant afternoon near the racecourse…

Thanks to the Vellas for another kind welcome…

Images...

ELMORE IN TROUBLE.
PLAYED A STRONG GAME THOUGH...

LIAM HONOUR COVERS SHEARER...

LITTLE, LEFT, HAS JUST SCORED...

AH, THE TWO-METRE RULE STILL APPLIES, THEN...

A LITTLE TROUBLE...

BARNETT (5) HAS TWO TO MARK, IT APPEARS...

CAUTION FOR LITTLE...