Ten-man Racing Club still have too much for Southam
Knight had already received a first-half caution for kicking the ball away before his evening was ended thanks to a high challenge on former Racer Aaron Cheshire.
However, despite being reduced to ten men, the visitors never looked like relinquishing their one-goal lead, given to them by Tez Morton’s eighth-minute strike.
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Hide AdJunior Bennett had already brought out a stunning save from Matt Archer before Morton broke the deadlock, drilling the ball home after Southam failed to deal with a Wade Malley cross.
And, after shipping 11 against Bolehall three days earlier, Archer was again to prove the busiest man on the pitch, producing a number of fine saves to keep his side in the game.
Ash Buswell’s far-post header proved comfortable for the keeper before he produced two point-blank saves in a matter of seconds to deny Bennett and Tom Evans.
Josh Banks in the Racing Club goal was called on to get a crucial touch to tip away a dangerous Jordan Featherstone cross but aside from a couple of threatening free-kicks, Southam offered little going forward.
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Hide AdIn contrast, Saints’ back line was struggling to contain Racing Club’s pacy front two and Archer produced another impressive stop to keep out English after he had pounced on a loose touch from striker partner Bennett to race clear.
Featherstone had Saints’ first shot on target two minutes into the second period and home optimism was further swelled by the dismissal of Knight.
Featherstone tested his luck from 25 yards but was unable to get his shot on target, while Racing Club felt the numbers should have been evened up after Archer claimed a through ball just outside his area under pressure from Bennett.
However, the referee did not deem it a clear goalscoring opportunity and a yellow was deemed sufficient.
Malley then fired the resultant free-kick well over.
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Hide AdSoutham rang the changes and switched formation to 3-5-2 and subsequently 3-4-3 but the constant Racing Club threat left their defenders reluctant to leave their posts and it was the visitors who continued to create the clear-cut opportunities.
A fine ball out of defence from Buswell found Racers’ Jamie Smith on the right and the substitute cut back inside only to see his shot diverted behind by another top-drawer stop from Archer.
As the clock ran down, Morton dragged a shot wide before releasing Smith, who could only find the midriff of the advancing Archer with the goal at his mercy.
And, while it may have been a ten-goal improvement on Bolehall that was to prove little consolation at the final whistle for a beleaguered Southam side.