Saturday 22nd October 2005

ROCESTER BACK TO ROCK BOTTOM

Rocester 0 Racing Club Warwick 2

A RUN of improved performances in recent weeks had renewed belief among the Rocester faithful that the tide was finally turning and that there would soon be a win to celebrate. Judging by this performance those long-suffering fans will have to wait for some time to come yet, writes Barry Smith.

When Tommy Cudworth fired the visitors ahead after just seven minutes the game was as good as over. Only two goals scored in the previous 10 league matches tells its own story, and with recent signing Paul Tortoishell sidelined through injury, Rocester’s lack of firepower was all too evident.

Rocester’s weaknesses at the back were also highlighted, and Cudworth’s opener was down to poor defending as much as his own tremendous finish. His corner from the left was partially headed clear, Jermaine Gordon hooked the ball back into the area and Cudworth, who had been allowed to wander into the danger area completely unmarked, smacked home a volley from 15 yards.

Ben Mackey should have doubled the lead barely a minute later but his header from just a couple of yards out cleared the bar.

Hard-working Tommy Smith briefly threatened to bring Rocester back into the game with a couple of shots at goal, but the clearest chances were at the other end where the Romans’ defence was all over the place.

Paul White found himself in the clear after more sloppy marking, but Paul Wood made a brilliant one-handed save down to his left to keep out White’s effort.

The second and killer goal came in the 39th minute. Cudworth’s corner, this time from the right, was floated into the six-yard box where Mackey side-footed it in unchallenged.

Nathan Gallagher should have given Rocester a lifeline just seconds before the interval. Lee Bagley managed to squeeze the ball through a crowd of players to Gallagher who appeared certain to score, but the ball got caught under his feet with the goal gaping in front of him and the chance went begging.

Warwick were largely content to sit on their lead and it was not until the final 10 minutes that they looked like conceding.

With six minutes remaining, Tommy Poole got down the left and delivered a pin-point cross to the far post where Bagley was lurking. He was held back from getting his header in and referee Byrne pointed to the penalty spot.

Rocester’s last chance went when Hancox’s kick was well saved by Craig Jones.

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