Bertie bags hat-trick to shatter Studley

RACING Club Warwick kicked off their end-of-season marathon run-in with a crushing 5-1 win over Studley on Tuesday night.

The early-season Midland League Division One pace-setters were put to the sword in a scintillating first half from Scott Easterlow's men with Trea Bertie scoring a first-half hat-trick.

Warwick started the game with Rich Powell and Luke Cole on the bench alongside the returning Elliott Powell and despite defenders Joe Smith and Jamie Coleman still missing, Warwick started resolutely with Martin Hutchcox and Marc Passey closing down early Studley attempts.

In the 12th minute, Bertie got his first after a fierce strike arrowed into the corner.

Five minutes later, Ryan Billington hit a splendid strike from out left into the far corner to cap another good outing for the wide man on the night.

Just past the half-hour, Bertie chased down ex-Racer Dan Dineen before powering the ball past the advancing Studley keeper.

It took just another two minutes for Bertie to claim his first Racers hat-trick. Wade Malley ran with pace at the full-back before sliding a measured pass into Bertie, who calmly fired hard and low into the bottom corner.

After the restart, a Church header struck the bar before Studley got themselves what would be a consolation.

Warwick continued to press and with the games piling up did what was necessary against a much-improved second half performance from the Bees.

Church finished the scoring on the night with an assured finish after a Luke Cole through ball and Warwick go into Thursday's visit to Leicester Road and Saturday's trip to Ilkeston in fine spirits.