Rushall Olympic Football Club would like to announce that their British Gas Business Football League standard Dales Lane ground will be available for hire as part of a groundshare agreement for the forthcoming 2008-09 campaign.

The vacancy arises as a result of the club's decision to operate next season without a Reserve Team and Youth Team after an existing sponsorship agreement reached a conclusion.

The Pics are open to interest from well established Saturday sides, preferably at West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division or Midland Football Combination Premier Division standard or above.

Interested clubs should in the first instance contact Secretary PETER ATHERSMITH on 07909 792 422, or email: rushallolympic@yahoo.co.uk.

Rushall Olympic Football Club is seeking a dynamic individual to take up the new role of Commercial Manager.

The successful applicant will develop a range of commercial opportunities, including sponsorship and generating advertising revenues for pitch side locations, the matchday programme and the club website and also organising social and fundraising events.

Generous commission will be paid on all profits generated, although there is no basic salary for the position.

Interested persons should in the first instance contact Secretary PETER ATHERSMITH on 07909 792 422, or email: rushallolympic@yahoo.co.uk, stating what experience you have and why you feel you are suitable for the position.

There was certainly some surprise news for Rushall Olympic as the BBC website revealed that player-assistant manager CHRIS BRINDLEY was all set to return to former club Stafford Rangers, the club relegated from the Blue Square Premier, as assistant to manager and former Wolverhampton Wanderers and England legend Steve Bull………. The Boro' manager, appointed by the club back in February, wasted little time in going back to his Molineux roots to appoint the 38-year-old Pics man as his new number two at Marston Road. The pair's connection actually goes back to 1986, when Bull had just been bought from West Bromwich Albion by then manager Graham Turner and Brindley had been snapped up from Hednesford Town as a teenage defender. Although Bull's subsequent rise to Wolves and England fame was legendary, the defenders hopes of a long Molineux career ended after just a handful of first-team appearances and went on to carve out a long and distinguished career in the part-time game as both a player and a manager……….. Following the appointment Steve Bull stated: "I've known Chris for the last 22 years and his knowledge of non-League football is unbelievable. He seems to know about every single player and he also knows all about this place [Rangers]. Although I have got loads of experience in football, it's all been in the Championship and that level. Chris knows the scene lower down and that's where I've been lacking.".......... Meanwhile, Rushall Olympic manager Paul Holleran was full of praise for his former assistant after his right hand man swapped Dales Lane for Marston Road following the 1-0 semi- final loss at the hands of Leamington, but the Pics boss was far from downbeat after the blow and claimed: "It was something we were aware of for a few weeks. Chris is a friend of Steve Bull and he played for Stafford Rangers, so it's a good move for him. He's done a great job for me as assistant manager here and I'm sure he'll do a great job for Stafford Rangers. We've got a few replacements in mind and I'm sure we'll be making an announcement in the weeks to come.".......... Rushall Olympic Football Club would very much like to thank "Brinner" for all the tremendous hard work during his 15 months at Dales Lane and would like to wish him the very best of luck at Marston Road in his new role.

Rushall Olympic Football Club would like to offer hearty congratulations to our Black Country neighbours and league rivals STOURBRIDGE on their success in clinching promotion to the British Gas Business Football League Premier Division during the weekend via the Play-Off system at the expense of runners-up Leamington.

We wish the Glassboys all the very best of luck for their forthcoming 2008-09 Premier Division campaign.

Rushall Olympic's hopes of promotion were washed away with the rain at Leamington's sodden New Windmill Ground following a single goal defeat in the Semi-Final of the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands Play-Off system.

Having tasted defeat only once in their previous thirteen games, the last of which was coincidentally just over three weeks earlier at the Warwickshire home of the division's runners-up by the same slim margin, the Pics entered the one-off contest full of confidence - but the ultimate absence of a decisive cutting edge saw the Brakes edge into the Final against Stourbridge for a coveted place amongst the Premier Division elite.

Had Olympic midfielder Neil Barnfield produced a more measured finish just after the half hour mark after finding himself through on the right side of goal, or had wing back Lee Gough done likewise fifteen minutes from full time, perhaps the result could have been somewhat different. However, it was the hosts who effectively sealed the game just four minutes into the second period when a corner was only half cleared and Guy Sanders drove home through a crowded goal mouth past unsighted Tony Breeden.

Despite their disappointment Rushall have enjoyed a marvellous season under Paul Holleran, outshining quite a few of their far more affluent rivals along the way. However, as the Dales Lane outfit look to regroup during the summer months, the club now have an excellent base upon which to build a more concerted promotion push for the 2008-09 campaign.

Reputably the two meanest defences in the upper echelons of the football pyramid met at Dales Lane as Rushall Olympic claimed the single point they required against Champions Evesham United to secure fifth place and a promotion play-off position - and naturally the final outcome was a goalless, but otherwise entertaining, draw.

Clear cut goal scoring opportunities were very much at a premium throughout the contest, but as early as the fourth minute the visitors went close as Simon Fitter's 25 yard from kick curled marginally wide of the top right corner.

Evesham top scorer Mark Owen should have done better two minutes later, but after having two bites at the cherry the forward dragged the ball wide of the right post from 15 yards.

Rushall's Craig Marshall spurned arguably one of the best chances of the game right on the stroke of half time when Dave Haywood's deep centre to the far post was headed agonisingly over from a good position.

Eleven minutes into the second period and Craig Marshall was only denied by a fine save from United's stand-in custodian Joe Clarke, as his flicked headed was pushed away for a corner.

Mark Owen again proved wasteful for the visitors in the 65th minute as he swung a boot from the edge of the box with a tame shot going straight to Pics 'keeper Tony Breeden who held the effort firmly in his midriff. As play moved swiftly to the other end a minute later Lee Barrow's 20 yard free-kick was tipped safely over by the Evesham stopper.

As the game progressed to an increasingly inevitable conclusion, the result meant that the Pics now face an extremely tricky trip to runners-up Leamington in the promotion play-off semi-final on Tuesday evening, kick-off 7.45 pm.

It was a very special evening at Dales Lane as faces from Rushall Olympic Football Club both past and present came together to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our very own stalwart committee member TREVOR WESTWOOD who has now served the Pics magnificently for 50 CONSECUTIVE YEARS this year!

A special surprise evening was laid on for the genial gentleman of Dales Lane by his family, friends and colleagues as the tremendous achievement of the guest of honour was marked by the presentation of a an increasingly rare Football Association Long Service Award by our very good friend Brian Adshead, Chief Executive of the Staffordshire Football Association. Meanwhile, a separate presentation of some inscribed cut glass crystal was also made on behalf of the club to mark the occasion.

Trevor's first playing associations with Rushall Olympic were known to be even prior to 1958, before his spell of National Service intervened. Indeed, he was certainly playing in the old gold and black colours during season 1956-57. However, upon returning to Civvie Street he was apparently lured away for around a season by then fierce local rivals Pelsall Villa. Fortunately, he finally saw sense and returned to his spiritual home of the Pics and went on to enjoy a tremendous playing career that spanned a club record 557 appearances - a figure that may well now never be broken, given the financial temptations that are put the way of today's footballers.

Having a real eye for a goal the fleet footed Trevor also netted 185 times for Rushall, with his haul putting him into fourth place in the all-time record goal scorers list of the club.

During the peak of his career he was a key member of the Rushall Olympic side who had become one of the powerhouses of football in Staffordshire during the 1960's as the Staffs County League South Division One Championship was clinched in seasons 1960-61, 61-62, 62-63 and 64-65. Meanwhile, a plethora of trophy wins were also claimed, that included the likes of the Walsall Senior Cup, Sporting Star Cup, Lichfield Charity Cup, J.W. Edge Cup, Walsall Memorial Charity Cup and Wednesbury Senior Cup - some of which were won on several occasions each.

When Trevor's playing career finally came to an end, although he was still playing during season 1973-74, he had already turned his attentions to Rushall Olympic's off the field activities after becoming a member of the club committee towards the end of season 1972-73 - making it an awesome 35 years of service to Olympic in total this year! During that era the club moved rapidly forward both on and off the pitch from Rushall's Rowley Place to the Aston University Sports Ground in 1975. Trevor was one of the fondly remembered Rushall Olympic "Magnificent Seven" that also included Brian Greenwood, Mick Clayton, Graham Wiggin, Johnny Edwards, Brian Humphries - who all joined forces and enlisted the help of Councillor Dick Arkell to obtain the lease of some land in Daw End, Rushall, to eventually mastermind the Pics return to the village at our current Dales Lane home in 1977 - and the rest, as they say, is history.

So I'm sure you will all join us at Dales Lane in raising a glass and making a toast to one special individual: "Our Trevor!"

Rushall Olympic climbed up to a magnificent fourth place in the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands table with one game remaining as a second half goal power display clinically dispatched Leighton Town at Dales Lane.

The 3-0 success over their Bedfordshire guests effectively meant the end to Chasetown's play-off hopes and the Pics now only have Chesham United to worry about, who remain just two points behind them in the standings. The mathematics of the situation mean that a point against champions Evesham United on Saturday at Dales Lane should be good enough to clinch a play-off slot, just as long as Chesham don't win their final game at Dunstable Town by more than a seven goal margin!

Following a tense first period Olympic grabbed all three goals in the space of just 14 second half minutes to stun their Bedfordshire guests. Skipper Lee Barrow started the ball rolling just before the hour mark as he crashed a 35 yard free-kick through the grasp of 'keeper Liam Jahn, before two further stunning strikes from Rushall's front pairing of Craig Marshall and Junior Brown sealed all three points.

The advantage was doubled nine minutes later with a moment of sheer class from Craig Marshall, who cut in from the left touchline to the edge of the box and slammed the ball inside the near post of the Leighton 'keeper. Six minutes later and Junior Brown produced an almost carbon copy like finish as he too cut in from the left flank and drove an unstoppable shot just inside the near post.

Rushall Olympic Football Club would like to offer hearty congratulations to league rivals Evesham United on their tremendous and thoroughly deserved success in clinching the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands Championship during the weekend.

We wish the Robins all the very best of luck for their forthcoming 2008-09 Premier Division campaign.

A workman like performance from Rushall Olympic saw them grind out a solid and extremely crucial single goal victory at mid-table Dunstable Town as they returned to winning ways and immediately turned the heat back up on the enthralling battle for the Division One promotion play-off places.

The Pics began brightly, despite their apparent tentativeness in the final away game of the campaign and as early as the 17th minute the Dunstable defence were forced to clear off the line twice in quick succession as Richard Beale and Junior Brown were both denied.

It took until a minute prior to the interval before the visitors claimed that all important calming advantage when Phil Rowe picked out Craig Marshall with a pin-point centre from the left channel and the front runner powered a header home over 'keeper Paul Taylor to give Rushall the lead.

The second period saw Olympic maintain the lead with relative ease as their mean defensive unit effectively stifled out the Dunstable attack for the remainder of the contest to maintain the best defensive record in the division with only 23 goals conceded in 38 games.

Although the visitors had a couple of further opportunities to extend their lead in the final third of the encounter, they ultimately had to be satisfied with the single goal success that saw the Pics reclaim the final play-off berth in a season that now looks like going down to the very last game.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team ended their Midland Football Combination Reserve Division campaign with a home defeat against lower placed Gresley Rovers by two goals to one.

Rushall Olympic's grip on the final promotion play-off spot looked increasingly shaky after failing to take maximum points at a lowly Malvern Town who had claimed just a single victory in their previous 21 games.

To make matters worse, Leamington, Stourbridge and Sutton Coldfield Town all claimed victory to increase their advantage above the Pics, while behind them Chasetown drew level on points and both Chesham United and Aylesbury United are now within striking distance again.

After claiming a first half advantage over the Worcestershire outfit thanks to a clinical 20th minute strike from Junior Brown for his ninth goal of the season, Rushall looked extremely comfortable.

However, they emerged for the second period in very poor form and within three minutes of the restart they were punished as Town grabbed a deserved equaliser when Mark Goodman probed a 20 yard free-kick past the motionless Tony Breeden.

It took Olympic until 15 minutes before the end before they finally shook off their unexplained lethargy, but despite laying siege to the Malvern goal they were ultimately denied by some resolute defending and a couple of excellent saves by 'keeper Craig Humphries.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team halted a run of five successive defeats in Midland Football Combination Reserve Division action by claiming an excellent 2-0 success at Coventry Sphinx

Rushall Olympic’s Youth Team ended their disappointing Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division campaign with a single goal defeat by Shropshire outfit Ellesmere Rangers at Dales Lane. The Pics eventually ended the season in 11th position out of the 12 teams competing in the league, with a record of 3 victories, 5 draws and 14 defeats from their 22 games.

Rushall Olympic slipped down a place in the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands standings to fifth following an unfortunate single goal defeat at second placed Leamington as rivals Stourbridge and Chasetown both took advantage to make up ground on the Pics.

With the league's match of the day seemingly heading for a draw, the Brakes top scorer Ben Mackey came off the bench to send in a left footed drive from just outside the box with 15 minutes remaining that took a wicked deflection off visiting defender Richard Brown, wrong footing 'keeper Tony Breeden on its way through into the bottom right corner.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team's disappointing end to the campaign continued with their fifth successive defeat in Midland Football Combination Reserve Division action. On this occasion Oadby Town were the latest beneficiaries as the Leicestershire outfit inflicted a heavy 4-1 defeat upon the Pics at Dales Lane, who have now failed to win on home turf for three games, having only claimed just a single victory in their last seven games.

Rushall Olympic Football Secretary Peter Athersmith will be live on BBC Radio W.M. TONIGHT in "The Tony Butler Football Phone-in" via a telephone link-up.

The show runs from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm with Paul prossibly due to go on air around 7.45 pm, talking about the Pic's and how things are progressing down Dales Lane.

So remember to tune in on either 95.6 FM or on DAB Digital Radio.

Rushall Olympic extended their unbeaten run to eight games by claiming their fifth consecutive away win with a resounding 3-0 success at in-form Barton Rovers, who themselves tasted defeat for only the first time in eleven league games.

The Pics enjoyed the benefit of another excellent opening as they surged into the lead after only seven minutes when Craig Marshall powered home a far post header after some fine work by provider Lee Gough. Conceding the early goal following three successive clean sheets failed to endear the home side to the task in hand as their guests continued to dominate proceedings. It was therefore little surprise when Rushall’s top scorer Richard Beale netted his 16th goal of a marvellous personal campaign as the midfielder tore down the left flank, cut inside his marker and rifled in a low drive from the edge of the box.

Olympic completed their emphatic success with 12 minutes remaining when substitute Neil Grainger controlled a ball over the top of Rovers’ defence to perfection before drilling a pacey effort home into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The Pics latest victory and clean sheet saw them move to within two points of third placed neighbours Sutton Coldfield Town with a game in hand and now look forward to their tantalising forthcoming clash at Leamington, who currently occupy the runners-up berth.

Finally there has been some good news for Rushall Olympic’s Youth Team on the pitch in their penultimate game of the season as they recorded their first win since 12 September 2007 following a fine 3-1 victory against mid-table Brierley Hill & Withymoor in Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division action at Dales Lane.

Rushall Olympic completed a comfortable three goal victory against a limited Bedworth United outfit at Dales Lane with a highly professional performance in dire weather conditions that strengthened their position in the promotion play-off zone by leapfrogging Stourbridge into fourth spot.

Although the visitors won the toss and elected to defend against the Dales Lane slope and a swirling head wind, two goals in seven minutes during the first period saw the Pics surge into what was to be an insurmountable lead.

After referee Mr. Bate had turned down two far more obvious penalty appeals in the opening six minutes for the home side, it was a case of third time lucky on 27 minutes when Richard Brown was shoved off the ball following corner. The reliable Richard Beale promptly sent 'keeper Andrew Kemp the wrong way from the 12-yard mark as the midfield clinically struck the ball into the bottom right corner for his 15th goal of the campaign.

As Bedworth continued to be penned in their own half for long periods, on 34 minutes Rushall were two goals to the good when the bravery of James Knott earned the front runner a maiden goal by rifling home through a sea of legs from eight yards following good work by striker partner Junior Brown.

During the second period it was the Greenbacks turn to take advantage of the prevailing conditions, but the Pics defensive prowess ultimately limited them to long range strikes that rarely tested home stopper Tony Breeden as the home side ground out their nineteenth clean sheet in league action.

With nine minutes remaining Olympic wrapped up all three points with a decisive third goal when substitute Craig Marshall directed a looping header across the visiting custodian into the top right corner after meeting a pin-point centre to the far post.

Rushall Olympic's Youth Team are still searching for their first victory since September last year in Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division action aftre losing 2-0 at home to Tipton Town at Dales Lane.

Neighbours Willenhall Town put the brakes firmly on Rushall Olympic's promotion play-off charge as they dented the Pics hopes by grabbing a dramatic late equaliser at Dales Lane with just two minutes to go to salvage a one-all draw.

Although the result ultimately saw Rushall drop a rung to fifth spot, they still retained the final play-off position by three points and a superior goal difference from Chasetown and Aylesbury United, who both still have a game in hand.

Unlike the reverse fixture on New Years Day, it proved to be a far more entertaining Easter Monday encounter for the healthy crowd of 214 paying spectators.

Despite the visitors enjoying arguably the better of the few opportunities that were on offer during the afternoon, the Pics had taken a 64th minute lead from the penalty spot after midfielder Tony Nicholls was adjudged to have handled Neil Barnfield's drive from the edge of the box. The trusty left boot of 14-goal top scorer Richard Beale provided the ruthless finish from the 12-yard mark, sending Willenhall 'keeper Stuart Brock the wrong way.

However, with time fast running out and the home side seemingly on their way to a fourth successive victory, the Lockmen sprang a surprise when an unfortunate deflection prevented Olympic clearing the aftermath of a free-kick and substitute Josh McKenzie, a summer trialist at Dales Lane, came back to haunt the Pics with a close range finish with virtually his first touch of the game.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team narrowly went down by two goals to one at neighbours Chasetown who strengthened their lead in first place in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division table to four points.

Rushall Olympic completed a straightforward double over Woodford United as striker Junior Brown netted a brace, just missing out on a thoroughly deserved hat-trick by the technicality of a rebound, to ease his side to a comfortable 3-0 victory in Northamptonshire that saw the Pics climb to a season best fourth place in the table.

The visitors enjoyed the perfect start on 13 minutes when Lee Gough was obstructed and from the resulting free kick delivered to the far post by skipper Lee Barrow, Junior Brown rose high above everyone to power home a header into the top corner of the net from 10 yards.

The encounter continued in the form of one-way traffic in favour of Olympic and in the 34th minute they doubled their advantage when a pin-point centre from the right picked out Junior Brown who netted his second of the game by planting a firm header off the crossbar and into the net via the back of 'keeper Thornton.

Fourteen minutes into the second period and Rushall effectively sealed all three points when a Woodford throw-in from the right was intercepted by Richard Brown who fed the ball down the line to Neil Grainger. As the front runner sent a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Junior Brown, his striker partner wrong footed defender Harris and completed his hat-trick in style by slotting the ball under the home stopper from the edge of the box.

The remainder of the contest saw the home side come back into the game slightly more as the Pics eased off the gas with a game on Easter Monday in mind, but the winning margin of the result was never in doubt as they claimed their fourth consecutive win on their travels.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team went down to a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to neighbours Walsall Wood who were 13 points behind and in last-but-one place in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division table prior to kick-off. The defeat was the Pics fourth on the trot since the end of February.

It was never going to be a repeat of the high scoring reverse fixture seventeen days earlier, but Rushall Olympic made the long midweek trip to bottom markers Berkhamsted Town and came away with another priceless three points following a narrow 1-0 win in Hertfordhsire.

The only goal of the game arrived five minutes before the interval when top scorer Richard Beale netted from a penalty conversion attempt to claim his thirteenth goal of an increasingly impressive season following a handling offence by a Lilywhites defender.

The Pics had opportunities to produce a bigger winning margin, but once again it was their defensive unit who came up trumps with their twenty-sixth clean sheet from the forty-nine that have already been played this season in all competitions.

Rushall Olympic's Youth Team reeled off their third successive draw in Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division action as the game between the Pics and bottom markers Lye Town ended 1-1 at Stourbridge Road.

Rushall Olympic ended Chesham United's five game unbeaten run and three match winning streak by recording a magnificent 3-1 victory in the Buckinghamshire outfits own back yard to gain ample redress for the single goal defeat inflicted upon the Pics at Dales Lane eleven days earlier.

The visitors couldn't have wished for a better start after finding themselves two goals to the good following an explosive thirteen minute opening spell. Neil Grainger put them in front with a glorious maiden goal for his new side after only three minutes when 'keeper Tony Breeden played a long ball forward. As the striker brought the ball under control to perfection he lashed it home into the bottom left corner.

Ten minutes later and the buoyant visitors surpassed all expectations by extending their advantage when Junior Brown received an inch perfect pass from Grant Beckett, turned his marker and fired home into an empty net after expertly rounding the Generals custodian.

On fifty minutes Olympic surged into a commanding 3-0 lead when Elliott Durrell left his marker for dead down the right flank before centring to the far post where Junior Brown unselfishly played the ball across the six yard box to Neil Grainger who netted his brace.

The home side then began to apply some telling pressure and with eighteen minutes remaining they pulled a goal back through Eugene Ofori as the striker hit a speculative twenty yard first time drive that came off the inside of Tony Breeden's right hand post and ricocheted into the back of the net.

During the remainder of the contest the Pics defensive unit held superbly firm to ensure that the visitors drew level on points with their hosts, ahead on goal difference and with a game in hand in sixth position, just a single point outside the promotion play-off zone.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team went down to 3-1 at home to high-flying Barwell in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division.

Rushall Olympic's Youth Team pulled off an excellent 1-1 draw at home to third placed Stourbridge in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic rattled in their third result of the campaign with a magnitude of half a dozen goals or more as they hit Woodford United for six at Dales Lane to rise up to seventh spot in the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands table, just three points off the promotion play-off zone with a game in hand.

On a night when the Pics also claimed their 25th clean sheet of the season they found themselves two goals to the good at the interval thanks to Niki Preston's excellent shot on the turn on 17 minutes and Junior Brown's deft volley into the top corner just after the half hour mark.

The second period saw Rushall pull further away from their guests with four goals arriving in the final in the final 27 minutes as Junior Brown completed his brace with a firm header with just over an hour gone, while Elliott Durrell netted a debut goal straight from a wind assisted corner kick five minutes later.

Wing back Lee Gough wrapped up an emphatic victory for Olympic as he netted twice in the final six minutes by applying the finishing touch to Neil Grainger's assist across the face of goal on 84 minutes, before dispatching a superlative 35 yard effort over the head over the static Woodford stopper to complete the rout just three minutes later.

Rushall Olympic bounced back from a midweek defeat at home to Chesham United to bag an excellent point against their fellow high-flying Buckinghamshire rivals Aylesbury United at Dales Lane………. The game itself was largely spoiled by a strong wind throughout, but it was arguably the Pics who enjoyed the higher number of the opportunities during the contest - although the visitors did rattle the woodwork on a couple of occasions………. Olympic were first to show on 9 minutes when Grant Becket sent a volley just over from 25 yards, while five minutes later Richard Beale did likewise with a sharp rising drive from similar distance………. On 15 minutes Richard Beale missed a real sitter when Junior Brown and Aylesbury 'keeper Tim Vincent vied for the ball close in, resulting in the custodian leaving a virtual open goal as he lay over his goal line. However, the midfielder blasted the loose ball from an acute angle six yards out into the side netting………. Eight minutes before the interval Junior Brown found himself in a one-on-one with the Ducks stopper, but his adversary did exceptionally well to narrow the angle and block out the front runners firm drive………. On the stroke of half time Aylesbury went close as Mike Feeley struck the back stanchion of the left upright from an acute angle, while on the hour mark Rushall's woodwork was tested again as Mark Jones' effort from the edge of the box cannoned off the left post………. Although debutant Olympic striker Neil Grainger almost made a name for himself eleven minutes after coming on as a substitute by just failing to make contact with Lee Gough's low centre to the far post, it was United who almost grabbed victory in the closing stages as Pics 'keeper Tony Breeden pulled off a brave block at close quarters and then moments later a highly optimistic penalty appeal was waved away.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Mickleover Sports in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division and now occupy tenth place in the league standings.

Rushall Olympic's promotion play-off hopes were dealt a blow as they dropped back down to ninth place with a disappointing home defeat against Chesham United.

With fifth position in Division One Midlands in the offing for the in-form Pics with a victory over their Buckinghamshire rivals, they ultimately turned in a toothless performance in front of goal - which was compounded by some poor defending on 31 minutes that allowed the Generals dangerman Danny Burnell to net what turned out to be the winner.

Rushall Olympic's Youth Team claimed a 2-2 draw at fellow strugglers Ellesmere Rangers in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic went goal crazy at Dales Lane as they slammed hapless bottom markers Berkhamsted Town by eight goals to nil to record their biggest ever victory in Southern League action and the second best in the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands this season.

The Pics already held a commanding two-goal lead with only 10 minutes on the watch after Niki Preston headed home in the seventh minute and then fellow defender Dave Haywood rifled in a 20 yard beauty to dent the visitor's confidence. However, Rushall had to wait until three minutes before the interval to extend their advantage further as Craig Marshall and 'keeper Sam Bridges both vied for a high centre and as the loose ball dropped nicely for Neil Barnfield the midfielder converted easily from close range.

It was the final 24 minutes that saw an avalanche of five goals, which began with Richard Beale confidently rolling number four into the bottom left corner after being set up by Junior Brown, prior to the Pics top scorer then netting his twelfth of the season as the unmarked midfielder consummately curled the ball home from 15 yards on 71 minutes.

Four minutes later and Olympic were six goals to the good when Junior Brown did exceptionally well to lose his marker, before darting menacingly on goal to round the Lilywhites custodian and slot home from an acute angle.

Goal number seven arrived nine minutes from full time when Niki Preston's shot on the turn cannoned off the foot of the right post and as Paul McMahon's follow up effort looped up and over a last ditch defensive block, fellow substitute Phil Rowe made sure by bundling the ball over the goal line.

In the second minute of injury time Paul McMahon wrapped up Rushall's emphatic success as the front runner broke clear of the visitors defence and cheekily lobbed the shell shocked Town stopper from the edge of the box to make it eight.

Rushall Olympic ended Bishops Cleeve four game winning streak with a 2-1 success at their Kayte Lane ground, to close within four points of their rivals with five games in hand.

The Villagers went into the game having netted fifteen goals in those previous victories, but they gave the Pics a big helping hand on the half hour mark when a bizarre goal saw defender Lyndon Tomkins head past his own bewildered custodian.

The visitors doubled their advantage on 81 minutes and looked to have comfortably secured all three points as Richard Beale netted his tenth of the season from midfield with a clinical finish.

However, with four minutes remaining the hosts were offered a life line after being awarded a penalty kick for a somewhat harsh hand ball decision and substitute Ben Shatford steered the conversion past Tony Breeden to make it a tense finish.

The Second Team's interest in this season's Midland Football Combination Reserve Division Challenge Bowl ended at the 2nd Round stage after losing to the odd goal in nine against Coventry Sphinx at Dales Lane in the second leg of the tie.

With the Pics having lost the first leg 4-0 in Warwickshire seven weeks ago, they went out 9-4 on aggregate as Sphinx moved into the Semi-Final stage of the competition and will now face either Coleshill Town or Gresley Rovers.

It proved to be one of those afternoons for Rushall Olympic as their attempts to close in on the promotion play-offs were chiefly dashed by some inconsistent decisions from the match officials. Between them they contrived to ignore a blatant penalty and disallow the visitors an equaliser, while most crucially in between failed to spot an infringement as Aylesbury United played on and netted the only goal of the game.

In a first half littered by one petty foul after another flowing football was a near impossibility, but on 34 minutes came the first controversial moment as the Pics Neil Barnfield was bundled over in the box, but amazingly referee Mr. Mudge waved away the visitors strenuous appeals.

In the 57th minute came another storm of protest arose as Olympic defender Karl Johnson was fouled, but as the referee allowed play to continue Faulkner hooked the ball home past the wrong footed Tony Breeden to give his side a somewhat fortuitous lead.

The match referee caused further uproar minutes later when Junior Brown had the ball in the back of the net, only to see his celebrations cut short by the whistle for an infringement in the build up.

As Rushall continued to press for an equaliser Aylesbury survived a huge let off on 64 minutes when a header back to their own 'keeper came off the woodwork straight into the path of Craig Marshall, but the striker could only nod the return over the bar.

Despite their efforts the visitors were unable to claw their way back into the contest as the extremely fortunate home side held out for all three points to cement forth place in the table.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team bounced back to winning ways as they claimed a 2-1 success at home to Rugby Town in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division to maintain seventh place in the league standings.

Rushall Olympic's Youth Team received a nasty jolt as they found themselves beaten 4-2 by Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division bottom markers Lye Town at Dales Lane. The victory for the vistiors brought them to within one point of the Pics, who fortunately still have two games in hand on the Black Country outfit.

An own goal from former Rushall Olympic 'keeper Chris Gemmell five minutes before the interval and a second from ex-Sutton Coldfield Town striker Craig Marshall two minutes after the break were enough to give the visiting Pics maximum points at a frozen Coles Lane and inflict the first home defeat on the Royals in British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands action this term.

On a bitterly cold evening Rushall's defence were once again bang on form as they rattled off a 22nd shut out of the campaign and their 13th in the 23 league games they have featured in - despite having to play the entire second half without injured skipper Richard Brown.

The opening goal arrived via a corner from the left that was ultimately flapped into his own net by the hapless Sutton stopper, while the Pics effectively sealed victory thanks to the persistence of 20-year-old striker Craig Marshall who chased down a through ball and clinically rifled home under the body of Chris Gemmell from the edge of the box.

Victory saw Olympic rise up three places into ninth place in the table, just four points off the promotion play-off places, while Sutton were left to lick their wounds after missing out on the opportunity to claim second spot behind leaders Evesham United.

A spectacular volley from midfielder Neil Barnfield with six minutes remaining won all three points for Rushall Olympic at Dales Lane as the home side finally got one over bogey side Romulus at the third attempt this season.

In a closely fought contest Romulus were first to threaten on 13 minutes when Lei Brown thumped a vicious volley from outside the box just wide of the left upright. However, on the back of only one defeat in their previous eight games, the Pics were keen to push on but had to wait until midway through the opening half for the first real opportunity to arrive when Craig Marshall drove wide of the far post from the right face of the box.

The visitors lost Leon Mitchell on 34 minutes through injury, while ten minutes later his replacement Roy Dunkley eventually left the field on a stretcher as Romulus were forced to regroup. Prior to that Roms midfielder Richard Batchelor was extremely fortunate not to see red after raising his hands during a tussle with Rushall's Ian Cooper.

As the second period degenerated into general midfield toil with both sides vying for possession, the game sprang dramatically to life in the 84th minute when Junior Brown headed the ball into the path of Neil Barnfield some 25 yards out, who let fly with a stunningly executed volley that gave 'keeper Mark Shiels little chance.

From that point onward there was no way back for Romulus as Olympic defended stoutly to see out nearly six minutes of injury time, while at the other end the Pics goal scoring hero almost grabbed a brace at the death with a stinging 20 yard drive that flew marginally wide of the left upright.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team's three game winning run on their travels ended at Midland Football Combination Reserve Division runaway leaders Boldmere St Michaels as the Pics slipped to a 3-0 defeat. The victory for Rushall's neighbours took their own winning streak to a highly impressive 11 consecutive league victories and a 14 point lead at the top of the table.

Despite another encoraging performance, Rushall Olympic's Youth Team went down to a single goal defeat against neighbours Boldmere St Michaels in Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division action at Dales Lane.

Rushall Olympic claimed clean sheet number twenty from the thirty-ninth game of their campaign as the Pics travelled to in-form Leighton Town and returned with a thoroughly deserved share of the spoils.

Although the visitors may have drawn a blank in the goals-for column, with the Bedfordshire outfit right on the periphery of the promotion play-off places, having lost only once this term on home soil in league action and also boasting an impressive eleven game unbeaten run to boot - it was a fantastic effort from the visitors.

The game may have been devoid of any major clear cut opportunities in front of goal, but both sides were part of what was otherwise an extremely entertaining contest played in the proper spirit and at the end of the evening the result was the right one.

This year Rushall Olympic’s Annual Presentation Night will take place on FRIDAY 9 MAY 2008 at Dales Lane, with the popular event encompassing entertainment in the form of a fully organised Racing Evening and Disco.

In order to keep numbers at a manageable level, this season the event will be for presentations involving the First Team only. The Second Team and Youth Team will be holding a separate joint Presentation Night at Dales Lane on a date to be announced in due course.

Admission will be strictly by ticket only and are priced at £5.00 each, which includes a delicious hot and cold buffet.

We advise that anyone interested in attending, what will be an excellent evening, should book early and pay for their ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. Please see a member of the Committee for further details.

Rushall Olympic's lack of firepower cost them the ideal opportunity to claim another three points, despite creating a whole host of opportunities, as they were ultimately forced to come back from behind to salvage a point against a struggling Stourport Swifts side who otherwise posed little threat.

Poor defending gave the visitors the advantage after only 11 minutes when in the wake of a set-piece centre back Steve Frost was first to react to claim the loose ball and drove clinically through a crowded goal mouth into the bottom right corner past the flat footed Tony Breeden from 25 yards out.

The goal acted as a catalyst for the Pics to go on the offensive, but despite their telling possession they could have fallen fur