Stephens and Perry make instant impact for Racers

Stephens’ right-wing cross was guided home by Perry in the 76th minute to cancel out Loz Rawlings’ neat finish just after the interval and was no more than the hosts deserved after seeing a host of gilt-edged chances go begging.

Tez Morton fired straight at Copsewood keeper Dale O’Donnell when clean through in the tenth minute and a minute later Racing Club heads were in their hands again as the keeper guessed right to keep out a Daniel Dineen penalty, awarded for handball.

O’Donnell was again Copses’ saviour in the 19th minute, racing to the edge of his box to deny Jake Brown, with Morton unable to slot home the loose ball.

At the other end, Connoll Farrell slid a shot narrowly wide as Copsewood came into the game and he went even closer in the 44th minute, grazing the post after beating the advancing Conal Dowling.

Junior Bennett was then unlucky to see his poked effort hit the post, with no Racing Club player able to follow up.

Rawlings broke the deadlock after the interval after being released down the left and Racing Club needed two goal-line clearances to prevent them falling further behind.

However, they were invigorated by the introduction of both substitutes and could have won it at the death, with Perry’s lob beating the keeper but stopping short of the line and Brown denied at close-range by the legs of O’Donnell.

Racing Club Warwick fought out a battling goalless draw with Pilkington XXX at Townsend Meadow in their opening Midland League Division One encounter last Saturday.

The hosts looked bright early doors and Tez Morton smashed a right-footed effort against the crossbar, while Bennett dragged a shot wide after neatly turning his marker.

Pilkington came into the game after the break, but Dowling produced a fine fingertip save to preserve his clean sheet.