“Master class” was the term used to describe Racing’s performance by Espirit Manager Onur Gokdemir after their 7-0 demolition of Lonsdale at Jubilee Fields.

Manager Bradley Micallef was less lavish in his praise of his table topping team – “The boys were all out the night before and at times we looked lethargic. We took ten minutes to get going and in that time could easily have gone one down. But once we got the breakthrough, we settled into our rhythm and started playing football”

Injuries and birthdays resulted in a shuffle in Racing’s back four. The Gaffer made his first league start after a series of family celebrations and the Prati Brothers also returned.

The bench of Racing also looked strong with David Day returning from Las Vegas and the impressive Dave Sack making way for the return of Darren Waife to the middle of the park.

Chris Maskell kept his fabulous goal scoring record going with a special finish after 15 mins. He latched onto a ball over the top, and as it sat up, the sphere like object pleaded with the skipper to be expertly dispatched into the far corner. Le Maske obliged, and Fantana were in the driving seat which prompted some lovely passing moves.

One player in particular was catching the eye. Chris Tilbury, a man who had drank in excess of his own body weight in white wine spritzers the night before was having a tremendous game. With his surging runs and searching passes causing Lonsdale all sorts of problems, the claret and blue army had their backs against the wall. 

Two nil was soon to follow. Tilbury at the heart of the action once again, played a sensational through ball which was controlled and coolly taken with aplomb by James Spicer.

There was then a contentious incident when the Lonsdale players had believed the ball to have gone out of play. Everybody stopped waiting for a whistle – Everyone other than Racing left midfielder Russell Leiter who burst into the area and fired into the top right hand corner. The goal stood, much to the disbelief and disgust of Lonsdale.

The half ended in even more misery for the Romford based outfit. Chris Maskell drilled a cross field pass looking for the run of Stephen Clarke. Instead it found Darren Waithe whose buccaneering run and low drilled cross along the six yard box was bundled in by an unfortunate Dale defender.

HT 4-0.

One change was made at half time by Racing. Russell Leiter made way for David Sack on the left of midfield.

Lonsdale came out fighting in the second half and created some good openings. Stephen Dawes was having his hands kept warm by some good efforts from the Clarets. They were retaining the ball better and making better use of it in the final third. 

El Capitan Chris Maskell made way for David Day. Day slotting in at left midfield with Dave Sack dropping to his more favoured central role.

For all of Lonsdale’s good work, the wind was knocked out of their sails ten minutes into the second half. Some wonderful interchanges in the middle of the park ended with the ball out on the right at wing wizard Stephen Clarke’s feet. Clarke bamboozled the left back with more lollipops than a Chupa Chup factory and whipped over the most sublime of crosses which was met at the back post on the volley by James Spicer. A brace to add to the four he scored the week before – the golden boot could beckon for the youngster….

The sixth was orchestrated and finished by the gaffer Bradley Micallef. Once more, the passing game of Racing pulled Lonsdale apart. Micallef brought the ball out of defence and played Clarke in down the right flank. He beat his man with notable ease and cut the ball back to the advancing defender who stylishly lifted the ball into the top left hand corner of the net. Celebrations were wild and rightly so, this was turning into another good display from Micallef’s side.

Stephen Clarke was having one of those games where not even Bixente Lizarazu could have kept him quiet. The final goal was solely made his persistence, pace and final ball. Micallef launched a high and hopeful ball towards Clarke – which to be honest, was never favouring the winger against the left back. Against all odds, he came away with the ball, bull dozed his way into the area and squared it to David Sack who finished confidently.

Fantana ran out worthy winners in the end and if they can continue to turn in this sort of performance, promotion looks a possibility. A young team, with bags of flair and pace to boot, they will prove to be tough opposition for most of the sides in Division two.

 

Manager Bradley Micallef was available for some questions after the game;

OC: Two wins, six points and fourteen goals. Pleased with the start you’ve made?

BM: Yes, very. I think we’ve signalled out intentions that we’re not here just to make the numbers up. We’ve played some excellent football, scored some fabulous goals and have a work rate that’s second to none. It’s important we keep our heads on the tasks that face us. We will certainly not be taking anything for granted.

OC: You are early leaders in this season’s Corinthian Division 2 championship race. Are you thinking about promotion?

BM: Of course. You always have to have goals. Why enter a competition if you’ve got no intention of going for gold? We’re not stupid enough to think we will have it all our own way every week. But I believe a hell of a lot in my team and think we will be there or thereabouts come May.

OC: What’s the atmosphere like in the dressing room?

BM: Chilled out, relaxed and focused. We had a team night out on Saturday to coincide with centre back Darren Salmon’s birthday. It was really good fun. All the boys get on famously which obviously helps come Sunday morning. There is some excellent banter that goes on in the changing room, training ground and pub afterwards!

OC: What did you think of Lonsdale?

BM: Unlucky. Apparently they had their whole midfield missing bar one. Unfortunately, this is the thing about the month of September. People are still on holiday and it’s not until you get into October that you can really have a full squad to choose from. They did cause us problems at times and the score line obviously doesn’t reflect this. Someone is going to be picking up the tab for that defeat because there are definitely goals in Lonsdales team.

OC: Stephen Clarke was unplayable today. He seems to have improved ten fold since his SFC Dagenham days

BM: He was insatiable today. I want to make love to him when he plays like that. He’s got pace to burn and there is no more electrifying sight in football than Clarkey when he’s on his game. His crossing has now become one of his biggest weapons. The final ball was always something I wanted him to work on, he’s obliged, and he’s better for it.

OC: Any other players catch your eye today?

BM: Well I’ve given Clarkey the Man of the match award. But what about Chris Tilbury? What a find. This guy has got some engine on him. He loves a tackle, loves to get forward, and loves the club. Could be a monster player for us this season. The other fella who I was impressed with is Lee Stimpson. What a contribution. Does the simple things well, sets up attacks and keeps play flowing. Very effective.

OC: Very strong substitutes bench today. Must be a relief to look over and have two people who should be starting?

BM: I have 16 excellent players. The two boys on the bench have taken their turn. Next week it’s a different two. It’s the only way I can give everybody a fair crack of the whip. Dave Day has come on a played left midfield. Not his favourite position, but for the team he’ll do a job. Sacky has come on and helped himself to a goal. Everybody has a part to play and throughout the season they will get their opportunity to play it.

OC: Quick word on your decision to make Chris Maskell club captain?

BM: He’s vocal. He’s inspirational. He’s a fantastic talent. He made that captaincy his own. I offered it around, gave people the opportunity to take up the mantle and he stepped up to the plate. I just hope he gets to lift some trophies at the end of the season.

OC: Thanks for your time.

BM: No worries

Racing Club Fantana: Dawes, T.Prati, R.Prati, Micallef, Tilbury, Leiter (Sack 45mins), Stimpson, Waithe, Maskell (Day 50mins), Clarke, Spicer.

Goals: Maskell (15), Spicer (21), Leiter (30), OG (41), Spicer (57) Micallef (70) Sack (81)

Man of the Match: Stephen Clarke

Report By Oliver Codpiece