Racing Club Fantana went two points clear at the top of the Corinthian League Divison II with a 10-1 win over Innercity at Central Park.

 

Fantana were missing captain Chris Maskell (Gashed Leg), Darren Waithe (Work), Stephen Clarke (Holiday), Akash Bhunawee (Uni), Darren Salmon (Hernia) and long term absentee Simon Field.

 

Micallef received a huge boost in the week when Nigel Collins and Dave Sack declared themselves fit to play. This meant a reshuffle in midfield with Stimpson shifting out onto the right leaving Sack and Micallef playing through the middle. Collins made his first appearance of the season at centre back with Chris Tilbury being given the captaincy.

 

Fantana raced out of the traps with manager Bradley Micallef heading home a Terry Prati corner.

 

Peter Pedomonou got himself the first of his three goals when he tucked home after David Days shot was parried by the keeper.

 

The third came when Russell Leiters cross come shot floated over the head of the Innercity keeper.

 

Racing continued to dominate and went in at half time with a healthy 3-0 lead.

 

Fantana were enjoying lengthy spells on the ball with the midfield dominating mood - a long ball over the top caused confusion in the Innercity defence, a misplaced back pass was latched onto by Double pack who slammed it home from all of a yard.

 

The Greek scuffer then put Racing 5-0 up with a fine finish following good work from Lee Stimpson and double pack.

 

Racing's sixth was a product of another Terry Prati corner. The ball dropped in the area and a goal mouth scramble ensued. After three attempts were blocked, the ball fell to Lee Stimpson who rammed the ball home from close range.

 

Lucky number seven came from midfield dynamo Dave Sack. Terry Prati played Lee Stimpson in down the right hand side - he cut the ball back to the edge of the area for Micallef who unselfishly squared to Sack who drilled into the bottom right hand corner.

 

Dave Day - who had missed several one on ones was replaced for James Spicer with 20 mins left to play.

 

Spicer made an immediate impression when he latched on to a slide rule through ball and finished cooly with his left foot from the edge of the area.

Pedomonou completed his hat trick when another corner was knocked down in the area and he reacted quicker than anybody else. It was an impressive performance from the man from Skiathos who hadn't had much football this season. He has definitely given the manager food for thought.

 

The tenth and final Fantana goal came from substitute James Spicer. Terry Prati crossed from the right hand side and the Innercity defender missed the interception - the ball fell to Spicer who controlled then helped himself to a brace.

 

Before the final whistle there was time for Innercity to snatch a late

consolation when an error from Racing goal keeper Steve Dawes allowed the centre forward to knick in and grab a goal.

 

This truly was a masterclass from Racing Club who regardless of the opposition, continue to play their brand of flowing, attacking football.

 

It has to be said, Innercity played the game in the right way - they tried to keep the ball on the deck, gave 100% and were gracious in defeat. A few teams in the Corinthian 2 could learn a few things from City.

Racing Club Fantana: Dawes, T. Prati, Collins, R. Prati, Tilbury, Stimpson, Sack, Micallef, Leiter, Pedonomou, Day (Spicer)

Goals: Micallef, Pedonomou, Leiter, Day, Pedonomou, Stimpson, Sack, Spicer, Pedonomou, Spicer.

Man of the match: P. Pedonomou