RACING Club Warwick advanced into the first round proper of the FA Vase beating Chelmsley Town 4-1 at Townsend Meadow.
Facing their step six opponents, Racing almost opened the scoring in the first minute when Romario Martin had a double shot first saved by the Town keeper Bache and then the defender on the line.
But it didn’t take long for the Racers to open the scoring. A superb dummy from a Sam Jackson pass by Martin saw Sam Pitts-Eckersall score his first for the Racers, slipping the ball past the keeper after good control and composure.
Pitts-Eckersall then fired wide before Eli Bako and Jackson combined but Jackson’s shot went just over.
It was all Warwick but Chelmsley looked dangerous on the break and Raheem Faulder dragged his shot wide when through on goal.
The move of the game saw Luke Steele, Ikwa, Bako, Jackson and Martin play some lovely one-touch football down the left which ended in a shot by Martin inches wide and an Ikwa through ball saw Martin lift the ball over the advancing keeper but agonisingly just wide.
Town were still well in the game and Faulders shot was comfortably saved by Lewis Walker at his near post and the number 4’s free-kick sailed over.
A delightful Pitts-Eckersall ball found Chris Mayuba but his shot was well saved and from the resulting corner Jackson found Marshall Willock but his volley went just over. It was mainly Racing now as they looked to extend the lead and Sallami was inches away from a Jackson cross but it was just the one goal separating the sides at half time.
Right from the re-start Jackson crossed for Bako who struck the post before a rasping effort from Martin fizzed just wide.
Chelmsley though should have equalised when sub John Daley hit a tame shot at Walker before a Bako shot was saved and sub Adegoke saw his long-range effort superbly tipped round the post.
Chelmsley now had to push forward to stay in the cup and they got the equaliser when James Henry headed home after a good cross was put back into the box with pace. Racing though quickly restored the lead when Hannibal Sallami raced through and slotted home coolly for his first goal since being promoted to the senior side from the U23s.
The game was wrapped up with a brace from Martin, the first a smart strike from 15 yards after being teed up by Jackson and the second a well converted finish after being put through one on one.
Racing are back in Midland League Premier Division action as they host Shifnal Town on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.
