Penalty blunder costs Racing Club

After an even first half, the complexion of the game changed minutes before the interval with Conal Dowling penalised for a collision with Lichfield striker Ahmet Bilgimer.

Bilgimer’s shot had already drifted harmlessly wide, underlining the lateness of Dowling’s challenge and Liam Holt made no mistake with the resultant spot-kick.

It was harsh on the home side who had fought their way back into the game after Lichfield had had the better of the opening quarter.

Dan Thurstance slid the ball wide for the visitors after being slipped in by Zak Horrobin while Kyle Minto was also off-target after beating the offside trap.

Jake Brown should have done better with a header for Racing Club after being picked out by Jamies Corrigan, with Corrigan forcing the first real save from Craig Johnson with a long-range free-kick.

With the game drifting towards half-time, Dowling presented Lichfield with their opening goal and the hosts rarely looked like getting back on level terms after the break.

Brown shot tamely wide from the edge of the box in the 67th minute after good work from substitute Danny Pitt and two minutes later it was game over.

With his first touch, Lichfield substitute Ashley Evans squared the ball for Bilgimer to convert from close range and it was the visitors who came closest to adding to their tally, Dowling producing a good sprawling save to deny Minto.

Racing Club Warwick bounced back from their opening-day defeat to beat visitors Nuneaton Griff 2-1 on Tuesday evening.

Griff went into the game on the back of a 3-0 first-day win over Stafford Town.

However, Racing Club, bolstered by the return of captain Mark Turton and Harry Jervis wasted a string of chances before deservedly going in front.

Danny Pitt, who was rewarded for a lively cameo in the loss to Lichfield with a starting berth, opened the scoring just before the break.

And, despite Aden Moore equalising for Griff, Jamie Corrigan’s cool injury-time finish secured the three points for the home side.

Racing Club make the long journey to Uttoxeter Town tomorrow followed by a home fixture with Coventry Copsewood on Tuesday night.

 Racing Club are looking for players, particularly goalkeepers and coaches (Level 1 qualified or willing to become qualified) for their under-eight and under-nine teams.

Anyone interested should contact junior section chairman Phil Haycock on 07793 731835.