RCW's Race Is Run - Racing Club Warwick vs. Wisbech Town

Tree lined Townsend Meadow

After the entertainment of my impromptu FA Vase match at Sholing, I was keen to see a game in this round. I'd had half an eye on Racing Club Warwick for a while and this round of The Vase provided the perfect opportunity for a visit. They were playing Wisbech Town of The United Counites Premier Division who I saw in a thrilling FA Cup tie with Spalding United earlier in the season. There is a level between the two sides (Warwick play in Division One of The Midlands League) but both went in to the game in blistering form. Warwick had won their last eight games. In the first round of the competition, Wisbech beat run away Eastern Counites League leaders Flexistowe and Walton four nil.

Kick off in the third round of The Vase

The game has a cracking start with both sides coming very close to the opener. Firstly a poor Warwick back puts the home goal in serious danger but the defence recovers to scramble the ball away. Straight after this, Warwick pile up the other end but the free head is put wide of the target. The next chance comes as Wisbech are played in on goal with the eventual shot lashed against the post. The visitors get in on goal again, this time the forward is able to dink the ball past keeper whose defence comes to the rescue, clearing the ball off the line.

An early Wisbech chance in front of the clubhouse

Warwick have a free kick in a decent position at the start of the half which goes just wide. Then comes one of the games defining moments. On first viewing it looks like the Warwick attacker out muscles the Wisbech defender to get in on goal but the referee deems this to be a foul. After a couple of half chances Wisbech take the lead. After being played in, the forward goes past the keeper before squaring the ball allowing his team mate to tap the ball home. Warwick are then reduced to ten men. I'm a distance from the incident but it seems to be for an off the ball incident. In the closing moments, Wisbech double their lead to secure their deserved passage into the next round.

Warwick stand up to a Wisbech attack

There are direct trains to London from Marylebone that take around an hour and a half but these are only one an hour. The alternative is take a train to Leamington from the same station and change there for a connecting service. Warwick is a gorgeous place to explore pre match with a great mixture of buildings. There is the castle but it is pretty expensive to get in and the free museum in the market hall is the cheaper option. Pubwise, also on the market place is The Rose and Crown along with The Titled Wig that both appear a bit 'gastroey' but both have an excellent selection of beers. Then half way to the ground is the excellent Old Post Office which had five ales on and could be pub of the season. The clubhouse at the ground also has a couple of very good things going for it. First there is The Pilsner from sponsors Church Farm Brewery then there are the incredible samosas. The walk back to the station takes under half an hour and it is highly recommended to stop off at The Warwick Real Ale to get stocked up for the train home.

Side on view of the seated accommodation