Rushall Olympic manager John Allen was delighted to be presented with the "Manager of the Year" Award at the Travel Factory Alliance's 11th Annual Presentation Evening that took place at Bescot Stadium.

The honour was in recognition of the tremendous amount of hard work the Dales Lane boss has put into the task of achieving his long term ambition of guiding the club into the higher echelons of non-league football - a dream that finally came true by clinching the 2004-05 Travel Factory Alliance Championship and a coveted place in the Southern Football League for the 2005-06 campaign.

However, it all began back in September 1997 when Olympic were delighted to be able to persuade John, Hednesford Town's then assistant manager, to join the club as their new first team manager.

The turning point in the clubs fortunes came during season 1998-99 when they finished in a very creditable 7th place, while the following season saw the Pic's take 7th place again, but with a much improved points tally. In addition the club also won their first piece of silverware for exactly twenty years when they defeated Dr Martens League Rocester at Bescot Stadium in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to lift the prestigious Walsall Senior Cup for the first time since 1965.

Season 2000-01 saw the Pic's surpass all expectations as they just missed out on promotion to the Dr Martens League Western Division by ending the campaign as Alliance runners-up to promoted Stourport Swifts by the narrowest margin of one single goal. However, during season 2001-02 the manager moved upstairs to take on the role of club Chairman, while his assistant Kevin Hadley took over the team manager role and Olympic once more ended the campaign with silverware as the club won the Alliance League Challenge Cup for the first time by defeating Barwell after extra time, in addition to completing the Alliance season in a respectable 5th position.

Season 2002-03 saw Rushall go on to record their best ever Alliance campaign, registering their highest ever number of victories and most points achieved by the club, as they finished as runners-up to Stourbridge. Disappointingly, their efforts both on and off the pitch were still not good enough to attain their long term goal of Dr Martens League football when the Pic's were denied a promotion place at the eleventh hour after a crucial vote went narrowly in favour of former Dr Martens League club Yate Town.

August 2003 saw the return of John into the team manager role after the club decided it needed a change of direction and subsequently parted company with Kevin Hadley and his coaching staff. The club were then able to enter a period of financial consolidation in order to concentrate on major ground improvement work during summer 2004. However, even working under such constraints the manager was still able to guide his charges to runners-up in the 2003-04 Polymac Service League Challenge Cup.

To focus firmly on the task in hand John decided to step down from the additional role of chairman at the end of season 2003-04 and was now more determined than ever to make a sustained championship challenge in his bid to finally take the club into the higher reaches of non-league football. Indeed, after 7 seasons of trying "Mr Rushall" irrefutably delivered the club's ultimate goal as he led his side to the 2004-05 Travel Factory Alliance Championship by a commanding 7-point winning margin and, following a anxious 4-week wait, the Football Association eventually decreed that Olympic's dream had come true as they secured automatic promotion into the Southern Football League Division One West for the first time in their history.

To round off what was undoubtedly the best ever season witnessed at Dales Lane Rushall's reserve team also completed a superlative league and cup double as they clinched the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Championship and Challenge Trophy, leaving the club eagerly looking forward to a whole host of new challenges during season 2005-06 and beyond as John Allen seeks to take Rushall Olympic Football Club onwards and upwards towards an exciting future.

From everyone involved at Dales Lane, congratulations John you thoroughly deserve it.

Rushall Olympic were extremely proud and delighted to receive the unexpected honour of the "Pat Fellows Best Programme Award" for season 2004-05 at the Travel Factory Alliance's 11th Annual Presentation Evening that took place at Bescot Stadium tonight.

It was for an unprecedented third year in a row that the club have received the honour and it is the first time in the league's history that one club has won the Award on three consecutive occasions, let alone even twice in successive years.

As anyone involved with producing a matchday programme already knows, at whatever standard of football, an Award always mean a great deal to those concerned and it shows that the many hours of work that are required to produce these labours of love can be well worth the effort.

More often than not, a simple "well done" is more than satisfactory, but I certainly thank Pat Fellows and his fellow League Officials for bestowing the honour upon Rushall Olympic for the third season in a row.

Finally, and most importantly, I would obviously like to take this opportunity to dedicate our Award to Rushall's very own Gary Cooper whose company WM Print have been responsible for publishing the programme for this and many previous seasons. Without their much valued assistance there would certainly be no programme.

I thank you one and all.

Darren Stockall

In the 12th annual "Soccer Swap Shop Programme Awards" that were recently made, Rushall Olympic were proud to find out that their matchday programme came out top within the Travel Factory Alliance and was also ranked in 40th place in the overall national list. This represented an improvement from last season when the Pic's were ranked 43rd in the overall list.

Top 50 Listing: 1st Exeter City, 2nd Didcot Town, 3rd Clitheroe, 4th Hoddesdon Town, 5th Morecambe, 6th Newcastle Blue Star, 7th Horsham, 8th Arlesey Town 9th Corsham Town, 10th Atherton LR, 11th AFC Wimbledon, 12th York City, 13th Dorchester Town, 14th Northwood, 15th Woking, 16th Bath City, 17th Bracknell Town, 18th Eastbourne Borough, 19th Poole Town, 20th Coventry Marconi, 21st Highridge, 22nd Heybridge Swifts, 23rd Carlisle United, 24th Curzon Ashton, 25th Chelmsford City, 26th West Midland Police, 27th Cambridge City, 28th Hemsworth MW, 29th Bridgwater Town, 30th Altrincham, 31st Mangotsfield Town, 32nd Arnold Town, 33rd Wealdstone, 34th Hayes, 35th Wadebridge Town, 36th Silsden, 37th Rainworth MW, 38th Admiral, 39th Royston Town, 40th Rushall Olympic, 41st Leyton, 42nd Prescot Cables, 43rd Gedling MW, 44th Spalding United, 45th Warrington Town, 46th Stourport Swifts, 47th Redbridge, 28th Alfreton Town, 49th Newport County, 50th Broxbourne Borough.

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Meanwhile, in the Matchday Programme stakes Rushall Olympic had to settle for second best in the Wirral Programme Club Awards as Stourbridge took the honours with the result for the Travel Factory Alliance as follows:

Congratulations must certainly go to Rushall Olympic's Reserve Team Manager Kevin McCorry who over the weekend was proud to be named as the ICIS Combination Reserve Division "Manager of the Year" at the Midland Football Combination Annual Awards evening at the Holte Suite of Aston Villa FC.

The Award was never really in doubt after the Dales Lane second string romped home to outstanding success during the 2004-05 campaign as they claimed both the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Championship and the Challenge Trophy.

Congratulations to one and all, you've really done us proud!

At Rushall Olympic's recent Presentation Evening, celebrating a truly marvellous season all round for the Dales Lane club, one of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the First Team "Player of the Year Awards".

The newly re-named "Frank Parkes Supporter's Player of the Year Award", in honour of the greatly missed Dales Lane stalwart who sadly passed away back in August, was deservedly presented to defensive linchpin IAN MITCHELL.

Chairman Bob Hubble and Manager John Allen present Ian Mitchell with the "Frank Parkes Supporter's Player of the Year Award"

Ian Mitchell with the "Frank Parkes Supporter's Player of the Year Award"

Ian, in his first season with the Pic's since joining from Studley, was nothing short of outstanding throughout the Championship winning campaign and even though he is approaching the veteran stage stage of his long and distinguished career he still managed to play in more games than any of his peers. The former Telford United and Tamworth sweeper made full appearances in 41 of Olympic's 42 Travel Factory Alliance games, while the other match was as a substitute. Indeed, of Rushall's 58 league and cup games during season 2004-05 he made a total of 51 full appearances and also 3 as substitute.

Meanwhile, the First Team squad also had the task of voting for the recipient of the "Player's Player of the Year Award" and eventually they plumped for their skipper RICHARD BROWN who had formed an excellent defensive formation with Ian Mitchell and Dave Davies during the campaign.

Richard Brown is presented with the "Player's Player of the Year Award"

As per usual our very own Captain Marvel led by example throughout the season and was obviously extremely proud to be able to lift the Travel Factory Alliance Champion trophy. Additionally, Richard also reached the 200th full appearance mark of his Dales Lane career during the penultimate game of the campaign.

During Rushall Olympic's recent Presentation Evening, the Reserve Team were celebrating a magnificent league and cup double season as they announced their "Player of the Year Awards".

Skipper Wayne Hall is presented with the "Manager's Player of the Year Award"

Midfielder Ryan McCorry is presented with the "Supporter's Player of the Year Award"

Midfielder Shawn Salmon is presented with the "Clubman of the Year Award"

Midfielder Tyrone Barnett is presented with the "Player's Player of the Year Award"

Following the meeting of the Football Association's Leagues Committee on Thursday 19 May, Rushall Olympic were pleased to learn that they have now been confirmed as members of the Southern League Division One West for the 2005-06 campaign.

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It is believed that the 2005-06 Southern Football League season will commence on Saturday 13 August and work on the League’s Fixture List will commence on Monday 27 June 2005, with a view to a publication date of Thursday 14 July 2005, subject to all integrated deadlines being met.

The FA Cup competition will commence with an Extra-Preliminary Round on Saturday 20 August, while the Preliminary Round has been dated for Saturday 27 August, two days before a scheduled League programme on August Bank Holiday Monday. The First Qualifying Round will be played on Saturday 10 September 2005.

The FA Trophy competition (which the Pic's will obviously be competing in for the very first time due to their promotion) will open with a First Qualifying Round on Saturday 15 October. The Second Qualifying Round has been dated for 12 November with the final Qualifying Round a fortnight later.

Following the meeting of the Football Association's Alliance Committee on 11th May to recommend to the Leagues Committee the clubs from the Step 5 Leagues that should be promoted to Step 4, it has been confirmed that Rushall Olympic will ply their trade next season in the Southern League Division One West along side the likes of other Midlands sides Willenhall Town (transferred across from the Unibond League Division One); Bedworth United, Bromsgrove Rovers, Solihull Borough, Stourport Swifts and Sutton Coldfield Town.

Details were today released on the FA website of the constitution of the non-league structures for season 2005-06, however these recommendations are subject to ratification by the Leagues Committee at a meeting that is due to take place on Thursday 19 May.

Following is a full list of the proposed consitution of the Southern League Division One West for season 2005-06:

Ashford Town (Middx), Beaconsfield SYCOB, Bedworth United, Brackley Town, Bracknell Town, Bromsgrove Rovers, Burnham, Cinderford Town, Clevedon Town, Dunstable Town, Hemel Hempstead Town, Leighton Town, Marlow, Paulton Rovers, Rushall Olympic, Solihull Borough, Stourport Swifts, Sutton Coldfield Town, Swindon Supermarine, Taunton Town, Thame United and Willenhall Town.

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The Football Association today catagorically confirmed that Rushall Olympic have indeed gained promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 of the National League System and, subject to ratification by the Leagues Committee, will compete in the Southern League Division One West next season.

In a statement released on the FA website today, following a meeting of the Alliance Committee, an agreement has been reached that actually recommends to the Leagues Committee that ALL NINE champion clubs from the Step 5 Leagues should be promoted to Step 4 for Season 2005-06.

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The surprise news came following successful appeals lodged both by Lymington & New Milton and Walton Casuals against vigorously disputed decisions not to award the respective clubs a Grade E category, despite completing all the extra necessary ground-grading work recommended following initial visits by representatives.

Although the final decision meant that the number of clubs exceeded the number of promotion places available, in the opinion of the Committee "..... the decision to promote all champion clubs was in the best interests of the game."

Rushall Olympic's reserve team capped a brilliant season as they were extremely proud to be named as ICIS Combination Reserve Division "Team of the Month" for April 2005 and also had the extra honour of being named as the "Overall Winner" to pip the leagues four other divisional award winners.

The award was sponsored by Bromsgrove & Redditch Trophies and is the third time the 'resies' have received it this season after successes back in October 2004 and January 2005.

During April the Dales Lane second string recorded seven straight league victories from seven games as they ultimately clinched the Championship for the first time in their history.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team ended their brilliant double winning season in style as they stretched their final winning margin at the top of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division table to 6 points over Bromsgrove Rovers thanks to a 4-2 away success at Gresley Rovers.

Despite the final scoreline Rushall were shocked as they fell two goals behind in the first 20 minutes, but the visitors went in at the break only 2-1 down thanks to a 40th minute goal from Daniel Hemmings.

During the second period Olympic were back to their old selves as they turned on the style to produce some excellent football that eventually saw a flurry of goals arrive from teenage striking sensation Nathan Smith in the 55th and 64th minutes, while Ben Porter rounded off the scoring on 72 minutes to complete a fine comeback.

The victory meant that the Pic's won the final 8 games of their title run-in and admirably suffered only one solitary defeat in the final 20 games of the season.

After yesterday confirming that Rushall Olympic were among 7 clubs who had deservedly gained automatic promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 of the National League System, the Football Association today appeared to be in total and utter confusion as to who is going to be promoted and what the final procedure will actually be.

The original statement by the FA web site confirmed that the Dales Lane side, together with other league champions Enfield Town, Fleetwood Town, Goole, Ilford, Potters Bar Town and Ramsgate had all achieved the necessary criteria for promotion, while the eighth and final promotion place was going to be decided between the winners of a play-off between second placed clubs Didcot Town, Enfield and Winchester City.

However, it was then announced out that Wessex League champions Lymington & New Milton and Combined Counties winners Walton Casuals had both lodged appeals after failing their secondary ground-grading inspections and they are due to be heard by the FA on Tuesday 10th May, a day before a meeting was also due to decide upon the actual make-up of steps 1 to 4 of the National League System for the 2005-06 season.

The spectre of these appeals means that the entire promotion process has been put on hold and any play-offs are postponed until after Tuesday when a further decision will be made and yet another statement released.

What a total and utter farce this is turning out to be for all the clubs involved.

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The Football Association have today at long last confirmed that Rushall Olympic have deservedly gained promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 of the National League System.

A statement was today released on the FA web site to confirm that the Dales Lane side, together with other league champions Enfield Town (Essex Senior League), Fleetwood Town (North West Counties League), Goole (Northern Counties East League), Ilford (Isthmian League), Potters Bar Town (Spartan South Midlands League) and Ramsgate (Kent League) have all achieved the necessary ground grading and met the criteria for promotion.

The eighth and final promotion place will go to the winner of a play-off between second placed clubs Didcot Town (Hellenic League), Enfield (Isthmian League) and Winchester City (Wessex League).

It is also understood that the FA will be meeting on Wednesday 11th May to decide upon the actual make-up of steps 1 to 4 of the National League System for the 2005-06 season. Rushall will then know if they are going to be plying their trade in the Unibond League First Division or, more likely, the Southern League Division One West.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team claimed a magnificent league and cup double as they clinched the ICIS Combination Challenge Trophy at Church Road Ground with a dominant 4-0 victory over Boldmere St Michaels.

With the Reserve Division Championship already clinched at the weekend with a game to spare, Kevin McCorry's young and exceptionally talented team ruthlessly put Boldmere to the sword to lift the trophy for the very first time.

Rushall took the lead just before the half hour mark when the hard work of Tobias Salmon set up teenage striker Nathan Smith who clinically rifled home from 10 yards.

Olympic doubled their advantage on 55 minutes with an exceptional individual goal from midfielder Tyrone Barnett who unleashed an amazing 35 yard volley that flew into the top of the net over the Mike's bewildered stopper.

The third goal arrived in the 67th minute when Daniel Hemmings' cross from the right was met by Nathan Smith who completed a fine brace as he lashed home into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Rushall's magnificent performance was complete 7 minutes from time when Nathan Smith unselfishly squared to strike partner Ben Porter who smashed the ball into the top left corner from 18 yards at the first time of asking.

It was undoubtedly another excellent day for the Dales Lane club and was certainly no more than everyone concerned deserves for the tremendous amount of hard work that has been put in over the season - a season that has now become the best ever Rushall folk have had the honour of witnessing.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE AND ALL. IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE FOR US TO HAVE BEEN PART OF IT.

Rushall Olympic's youth team ended their campaign in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division with a 3-1 defeat at runaway Champions Hednesford Town.

Despite the result the lads have otherwise enjoyed a good campaign and are now guaranteed at least a 6th place finish.

Well done to each and every one of you involved.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team clinched the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Championship with a game to spare as they secured a 2-1 victory at Rugby United to make it an outstanding title double for the club to cap the best ever season witnessed at Dales Lane.

Goals from Tobias Salmon in the 44th minute and Tyrone Barnett in the 82nd minute were enough to take all three points for Rushall as they realed off their seventh consecutive league victory, with the title winners having suffered only one solitary defeat in their last 19 games in the Reserve section.

The 'resies' are now well on course for a league and cup double with the Final of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy due to take place on Monday 2nd May when they take on Boldmere St Michaels at The Mikes very own Church Road Ground, kick-off 3.00 pm.

PLEASE COME ALONG AND CHEER ON THE PIC'S

Rushall Olympic ended their Championship season in style as they demolished Boldmere St Michaels 4-0 away at Church Road to complete an emphatic double over their neighbours.

After failing to register a victory in their previous five league and cup games the victory meant that the Dales Lane side also ended a run of three consecutive league defeats, all of which had been away from home.

Rushall enjoyed the perfect start after less than 3 minutes as Neil Kitching latched on to a weak defensive back pass before confidently running clear and lashing the ball home from 12 yards to net his 19th goal of the season.

It was during the second period that the visitors really took their hosts to task and within 11 minutes of the restart the Pic's top scorer Joe O'Connor was on hand to rifle home his 22nd goal of the season as he connected with Tim Jackson's free-kick from the left side of the penalty area at close range.

In the 73rd minute Joe O'Connor's menacing run into the Boldmere box was unceremoniously ended by a foul challenge from the home custodian and player-coach Dave Read stepped up to send a pile driver of a penalty conversion past the helpless stopper who was fortunate to receive only a caution for his troubles.

However, it was no surprise when Olympic put the icing on the cake with barely five minutes remaining as Ian Mitchell's corner from the left was cleared only as far as Simon Truman who unleashed a howitzer of a first time drive from fully 30 yards out that took a slight deflection and rocketed into the top left corner of the net.

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Rushall Olympic's youth team are ending their campaign in impressive fashion as they recorded their third consecutive victory in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division with a 1-0 victory over AFC Telford United in an unusual afternoon kick-off at Dales Lane.

The U-18's final game of the season is an extremely tough fixture at Champions Hednesford Town on Monday 2nd May.

Congratulations to Rushall Olympic's skipper Richard Brown who made his 200th full appearance for the First Team during the defeat at Barwell.

31-year-old Richard arrived at Dales Lane in September 2001 after signing from Paget Rangers, whom he had previously served for some eight years and made almost 400 appearances.

He began his career as a trainee with Walsall before turning professional with them and later linking up for spells with Hednesford Town and Willenhall Town, priot to transferring to the now defunct Walmley based club during summer of 1993, going on to win the inaugural 1994-95 Alliance championship and playing the next six seasons in Dr Martens League Western Division football.

In his first campaign with Olympic he lifted the Midland Football Alliance League Challenge Cup and was named by his colleagues as Players' Player of the Year, while 2003-04 saw him named as Supporter's Player of the Year.

Well done Brownie from everyone at Dales Lane, it's great to see that loyalty still means something to todays players.

By the way, you now only need 358 more appearances to beak Trevor Westwood's all-time club appearance record!!!!

Rushall Olympic's reserve team increased their lead at the top of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division table to 6 points over Bromsgrove Rovers thanks to a 2-1 home victory over Quorn.

The game itself was not a classic, but the opening goal arrived for Rushall in the 13th minute when Danny Hemmings netted his 11th league goal of the season.

However, although the Leicestershire side equalised just before half-time, the Pic's eventually went on to deservedly claim all three points with a strike from substitute Shawn Salmon to make it four wins out of four league and cup games played against Quorn this season.

Olympic's victory now means that they require only 1 point from their remaining 2 games to clinch the league title outright, unless Bromsgrove Rovers fail to get anything less than a win at Gresley Rovers tonight - then the championship will be coming to Dales Lane.

Rushall have now won six consecutive league games and have suffered only one solitary defeat in the last 18 games in the Reserve section.

Next game up for the 'resies' is an away fixture at sixth place Rugby United on Saturday 30th April, kick-off 1.00 pm.

Rushall Olympic's championship winning season continued to dive towards a disappointing finish following a dismal 3-1 defeat at mid-table Barwell.

Olympic have now failed to register a victory in five games over a disasterous five week period and were all too easily out fought by their Leicestershire opponents. The result was the Walsall sides third consecutive league defeat, all of which have been away from home.

Central defender Dave Davies gave the visitors a promising 11th minute lead but it all went down hill from then on as Craig Noble levelled from the penalty spot 14 minutes later. Noble scored again on 49 minutes and Rushall's woes were complete in the 66th minute when Steve White wrapped up an easy three points for Barwell.

It was once again disappointing to see a real lack of effort from the Pic's who appear to have completely switched off since clinching the championship and Olympic supporter's will now be extremely grateful that this Saturday marks the end of the 2004-05 season.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team extended their lead at the top of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division table to 3 points, over previous leaders Bromsgrove Rovers, following a nail-biting 2-1 home victory over championship rival outsiders Hinckley United.

Olympic have now won their last five consecutive league games and have suffered only one solitary defeat in the last 17 games in the Reserve section.

It was not all plain saling for Rushall as the Leicestershire side took the lead and their hosts didn't equalise until the 69th minute when Ben Porter netted his 14th goal of the campaign. However, hero of the hour for Olympic was undoubtedly substitute defender Rory McFarlane who scored an 89th minute winner for the Dales Lane side to send them clear at the top of the table.

The Pic's victory now means that they require only 4 points from their remaining 3 games to clinch the league title outright.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team took over at the top of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division table from long term leaders Bromsgrove Rovers following a tense 3-2 away victory over Quorn.

Rushall's goals came courtesy of strikes from Nathan Smith, Andre Francis (his second in two games) and Tyrone Barnett.

The Pic's win now means that they require only 7 points from their remaining 4 games to clinch the league title outright.

With Olympic already guaranteed at least a 3rd place finish, 2nd placed Bromsgrove Rovers have played 2 games more, while outsiders Hinckley United have 2 games in hand on Rushall, but are 14 points behind.

However, the 'resies' now take on Hinckley United at Dales Lane on Thursday 21st April in a crunch game where a win for the home side would then mean the runners-up trophy at least would be heading to Dales Lane.

Rushall Olympic's youth team pulled off a tremendous 2-1 home victory over 4th placed Stourbridge to complete the league double over the side who just recently claimed the Midland Floodlit Youth League Cup.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team destroyed struggling Oadby Town 5-0 in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division with a goal scoring display in Leicesterhire that put their first team counterparts well and truly to shame. The victory saw the Dales Lane side complete the double over Oadby, having also thrashed their rivals by the same scoreline in the home game back in January.

Rushall's goals came courtesy of a brace from Shawn Salmon and singles from Andre Francis, Wayne Hall and Daniel Hemmings.

The Pic's best away win of the campaign saw them regain 2nd position in the league table from neighbours Chasetown, leaving them still 3 points behind leaders Bromsgrove Rovers, having 3 games in hand and with 5 games left to play, plus a superior goal difference.

The 'resies' are also still in line for the league and cup double with the Final of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy due to take place on Monday 2nd May when they take on Boldmere St Michaels at The Mikes very own Church Road Ground, kick-off 3.00 pm.

Rushall Olympic once again failed dismally on their travels as the Travel Factory Alliance Champions were well and truly embarrassed as they tumbled to a surprise 2-0 defeat at last-but-one Causeway United.

The match was anything but an advertisement for the league with the general standard of football extremely poor indeed, totally befitting of an end of season encounter. However, Rushall's shortcomings were ultimately well and truly exposed as they were totally lacking in all departments and once again looked anything but league Champions.

Olympic were always their own worse enemy and they went behind on 64 minutes as Simon Truman carelessly lost possession in the oppositions half and an eventual deep left wing cross was clinically converted by unmarked striker Andy Jones from close range who could hardly believe the amount of room he had been given.

Despite Ron Walker powering a header against the foot of the right post from 12 yards with 3 minutes of normal time remaining, it was Causeway who ended the game with a flourish in the second minute of stoppage time as Danny Cox had all the time he needed to waltz past a non-existent Rushall rearguard and fire a low drive past 'keeper Ryan Price from 15 yards into the bottom left corner.

The end of the season cannot come soon enough for Olympic supporters.

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Rushall Olympic this week ended a long time search as they were very pleased to able to fill the positions of club Chairman and Vice Chairman through the appointments of Bob Hubble and Nick Allen respectively.

Bob was a former incumbent of the role of Chairman a couple of years ago and was also a former assistant manager of the Pic's for several seasons, serving under manager John Allen when he first arrived at Dales Lane back in September 1997.

Meanwhile, businessman Nick is the son of manager John Allen and the joint task of both men will be to raise much needed sponsorship and revenue as the club begins planning towards next season and hopefully life in the higher echelons of non-league football.

On behalf of everyone at Dales Lane we wish you both the very best of luck.

Rushall Olympic's youth team moved up to 6th place in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division thanks to a 2-0 win at Himley Athletic. The victory saw the Pic's leap-frog over AFC Telford United in the table.

On an evening when Rushall Olympic were presented with the Travel Factory Alliance Championship trophy by League Chairman Pat Fellows and Secretary Peter Dagger, the night ended in somewhat disappointing fashion for the Pic's as they bowed out of the Walsall & District Football Association Senior Cup at the Semi-Final stage to neighbours Chasetown.

The cup tie was Rushall's last home game of the current campaign and it was obvious straight from the kick-off that second placed Chasetown were absolutely desperate to finally get one over on Olympic after the Pic's had already completed the league double against their old advercaries.

However, the game ultimately ended 2-2 at full-time and also after extra-time and the team to go forward and play lower league Tividale in the final of the competition at Bescot Stadium next month had to be decided on penalties, with the outcome 4-2 in the Scholars favour.

Chasetown forged ahead on 11 minutes through ex-Olympian Lee Bullimore, but Rushall deservedly equalised 5 minutes later as Ron Walker headed home Ian Mitchell's free-kick.

Olympic took the lead 8 minutes before the interval as Willie Dunn capitalised on some fine work by Simon Truman to rifle home from 18 yards. However, Chasetown hit back on the stroke of half-time when striker Lee Bullimore notched his second of the contest to make the most of some over generous defending.

The second half was something of an anti-climax, but as extra-time progressed, in the 108th minute, Rushall should have sealed victory only for Joe O'Connor's superlative lob over 'keeper Simon Bryan to strike the woodwork and somehow rebounded to safety.

Unfortunately penalties were not to be avoided and as Chasetown converted the first three attempts, Rushall missed two of theirs thanks to excellent saves from 'keeper Simon Bryam and never quite recovered as they went down 4-2 overall.

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It now seems highly likely that Rushall Olympic will be presented with the Travel Factory Alliance Championship trophy by a League Management Committee presentation party prior to this evening's Walsall Senior Cup Semi-Final tie with neighbours Chasetown.

The cup tie will be the Pic's last home game of the current campaign.

On behalf of Rushall Olympic Football Club I would like to offer a big thank you to Steve Whitney and the Non-League's No.1 website Non-LeagueDaily.com who today put together an excellent news item on the Pic's marvellous Championship success. Thank you to every one concerned, it was very much appreciated by all the folks at Dales Lane.

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RUSHALL OLYMPIC WERE THIS AFTERNOON CROWNED AS CHAMPIONS OF THE TRAVEL FACTORY ALLIANCE FOR SEASON 2004-05

THE DALES LANE CLUB'S FIRST LEAGUE TITLE SUCCESS FOR 25 YEARS WAS CONFIRMED AFTER SECOND PLACED COALVILLE TOWN SUFFERED A 1-0 HOME DEFEAT AGAINST CHASETOWN

ON BEHALF OF ALL PIC'S SUPPORTER'S I WOULD LIKE TO ISSUE CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE CONCERNED FOR THEIR TREMENDOUS EFFORTS THIS SEASON

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The celebrations have well and truly began in earnest at Dales Lane and pleased as punch Rushall Olympic manager John Allen commented straight after the Coalville game: "We were very disappointed when we didn't wrap it up at Loughborough last week. Not having a game for 10 days has made it difficult for us. We are in this position because of our form over the last 30 games and we will be celebrating a little tonight."

Following their superb championship win Rushall Olympic now become the first "Step 5" club within the National League System to finish in 1st place in their respective league and also gain the necessary ground grading criteria for promotion into "Step 4" of the non-league pyramid.

The Dales Lane side now put their name forward for promotion and dearly hope that they are fortunate enough to be declared as one of the 8 clubs from the remaining 10 feeder leagues that will gain entry directly into the next level of the non-league structure, without the need to endure a play-off game.

Hopefully the picture will have become far clearer by Saturday 30th April 2005 when the remainder of the secondary ground grading process should have been completed by the Football Association and the destination of most of the various league titles may already be known.

Something that has became an increasingly disappointing feature of our title run-in has been the continued snipes from supposedly impartial commentators in official quarters upon the way in which Rushall Olympic have won the 2004-05 Travel Factory Alliance Championship.

Indeed the usual scenario, with out fail, has been that almost every week during the last two months it has been reported that various Alliance teams have done Rushall a "massive favour" and during this last weekend it was certainly no different.

Well, lets get a few things straight shall we? Granted, our neighbours Chasetown did a grand job in beating Quorn and Coalville Town within the space of a week, but nobody did Rushall a "massive favour" when the Pic's went on an incredible 10 game winning streak through February and March that turned a 4 point deficit in second place into what became a 17 point surplus in pole position at one stage.

Regardless of the results of our final three league games, no other team in the Alliance will record more victories than we have this season - fact. At the end of the day the league table does not lie after each team has had to face the other 21 in the division both home and away.

Our view has always been that it matters not one jot how other sides perform, you can only take each game as it comes and hope to do you very best. On that basis alone we have - job done, title won.

So our advice to these supposedly impartial commentators is to keep your unwarranted opinions to yourselves rather than post them for the entire world to see.

Better still, why not even try congratulating Rushall Olympic for their great achievement this term - you may even feel all the healthier for it.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team romped home to an impressive 4-0 victory at Loughborough Dynamo in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division to show their first team counterparts exactly how it should be done.

Star of the show was striker Ben Porter who notched an excellent hat-trick to make up for his first team blank at the same ground a week before, while Chris Miiliard notched the Pic's other goal.

The excellent victory saw the reserves maintain their 3rd position in the table and press home their charge for championship honours with the Pic's now being just 3 points behind leaders Bromsgrove Rovers, having 3 games in hand and with 6 games left to play.

With the Football Association's ground grading process for promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 of the National League System almost complete they have released another statement on their web site.

Click here to see the full article

Rushall Olympic's reserve team's bid to win the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy for the very first time will take place on Bank Holiday of Monday 2nd May when they take on Boldmere St Michaels in the Final that will take place at The Mikes very own Church Road Ground, kick-off 3.00 pm. PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT THE PIC'S

Rushall Olympic's reserve team claimed an impressive 1-0 home victory over second placed neighbours Chasetown in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division to leap frog Boldmere St Michaels into 3rd position in the table to maintain their charge for championship honours. Striker Sean Allington claimed the crucial winning goal for Rushall.

The result leaves the Pic's just 3 points behind leaders Bromsgrove Rovers with 3 games in hand and with just 7 games left to play.

Rushall Olympic made their long suffering supporter's endure more frustration as they collapsed to an arguably humiliating 3-1 defeat at struggling Loughborough Dynamo to put their title hopes on hold for yet another week.

Rushall's main problem was that far too many individuals failed to stand up and be counted when it really mattered as the champions-elect looked anything but championship material, ultimately leaving themselves a veritable laughing stock as far as the Leicestershire community were concerned.

Olympic were always their own worse enemy and went behind on 20 minutes despite having bossed proceedings. However, their biggest crime was to struggle long and hard to restore parity on 79 minutes through substitute Simon Truman and then carelessly gift Loughborough two truly awful goals on the break in the final 3 minutes of the contest to leave the neutral spectator wandering just how on earth the Walsall side had elevated themselves to the lofty heights of the Travel Factory Alliance table.

Fortunately for the Dales Lane side their only title rivals are now Coalville Town who have to win all of their final 6 games and hope that Rushall fail to pick-up 2 points from their final 3 games.

However, relying upon other sides for favours is simply not on the agenda for Olympic supporters who undoubtedly want to win the championship in style - but unfortunately at this rate they may not get their wish.

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In their final home league game of the campaign Rushall Olympic edged another point closer to the ultimate tally required to clinch the Travel Factory Alliance Championship, but they were forced to come back from behind for the second time this season against an unforgiving Romulus outfit to claim a 1-1 draw.

The result itself could have been quite different had it not been for the continued outstanding form of Pic's 'keeper Ryan Price and the fact that the home side were also denied two goals, one of which appeared perfectly legitimate.

However as it stands at present, following the other Easter Monday results, Olympic now know that a single victory from their final four games of the season will clinch the league title outright, while 2 points would mean the decision being made on goal difference - with Leicestershire rivals Coalville Town and Quorn now the only sides mathematically capable of catching them.

The Dales Lane side knew it was always going to be a tough encounter even before the contest began and would arguably be the sternest test of their remaining league five fixtures, however the Pic's started brightly and only smart saves from 'keeper Matt Harris denied a Neil Kitching header and a Tim Jackson volley in the opening 15 minutes.

Just after the half-hour mark Rushall were given a timely warning as in-form 'keeper Ryan Price palmed away danger man Tyrone Fagan's first time volley after poor marking had allowed the opportunity. However, within a minute Romulus took the lead when Lei Brown's miss-hit grub hunting free-kick from 25 yards out providentially deflected off the defensive wall and shot into the bottom left corner, despite the home stopper getting his finger tips to the effort.

To their credit Olympic responded in positive fashion and within five minutes they were deservedly back on level terms as Tim Jackson's free-kick was headed back into the danger zone by Dave Davies and Joe O'Connor headed home his 21st goal of the season from close range.

A minute before the interval and Rushall had the ball in the back of the net again as Ian Mitchell's free-kick was flicked on by Neil Kitching and Dave Davies headed over the stranded Romulus custodian from 18 yards, only to see a flag raise for a marginal looking off-side decision.

Two minutes into the second period and Olympic frustratingly had another 'goal' disallowed, only this time it was in far more controversial circumstances. A corner from the left was headed back across goal by skipper Richard Brown and Ron Walker powered home a header into the net, only to see the referee award a free-kick for an alleged push that nobody else saw.

As the second half progressed Rushall became much less of an attacking force as Romulus looked increasingly threatening on the counter offensive and relentlessly piled on the pressure.

The crucial point of the game arrived with 3 minutes remaining as goal keeping hero Ryan Price was once again the saviour of his colleagues as he dashed off his line to deny Matt Robinson who had run all too easily clear of Olympic's hesitant rearguard.

Despite enduring some 4 minutes of injury time Rushall held firm and will now be looking to sew up the league title as soon as possible.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve marched emphatically into the Final of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy for the very first time after easing to a 4-0 victory against Leicestershire outfit Quorn in the Semi-Final 2nd Leg tie at Dales Lane.

Two goals in each half were more than enough as the Pic's strolled to a 7-1 aggregate victory over the two legs.

Olympic opened their account in the 8th minute thanks to a spectacular 30-yard Sean Allington volley and they doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Luke Bradley rifled home from the edge of the box.

A second half brace from Ben Porter wrapped a fine victory as the substitute striker netted on the break in the 76th and 86th minutes.

Rushall will now be looking forward to the Final where they will face Boldmere St Michaels Reserves, while Kevin McCorry's men still have an extremely good chance of clinching the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Championship.

Click here for the match report & exclusive pictures

Following a meeting of the Football Associaton's Leagues Committee on Wednesday 23 March it was decided to once again defer a decision on the possible play-off procedures for promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 of the National League System until the conclusion of the current ground grading assessments.

However, the Committee have re-affirmed their intention to hold play off matches should there be more than eight clubs eligible to be promoted.

Click here to see the full statement

Rushall Olympic's youth team were unfortunate to succumb to a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division leaders Tamworth.

Rushall Olympic recorded an excellent 3-1 away victory over Dr Martens League Division One West outfit Sutton Coldfield Town in the Quarter-Final of the Walsall & District Football Association Senior Cup competition.

The visitors enjoyed the perfect start when after only 6 minutes top scorer Joe O'Connor was set up by strike partner Ben Porter and the former England Semi-Professional International lashed home from 10 yards to net his 20th goal of the season.

Olympic doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when the provider turned goal scorer as Ben Porter clinically converted Willie Dunn's right wing cross from 8 yards against his former club.

Rushall ultimately made it 3-0 on 82 minutes as Willie Dunn capped an excellent individual display by running on to Leon Allen's neat lay-off and driving home from 12 yards after cutting into the right side of the Royals penalty area.

However, Sutton grabbed a late consolation goal in the 87th minute as David Berks converted from close range after connecting with Nathan Moran's centre from the right.

The Pic's now go on to meet Travel Factory Alliance rivals Chasetown in a Semi-Final that will take place at Dales Lane on Tuesday 12th April, with the eventual winners due to take on Express & Star League Tividale in the Final at Bescot Stadium at the end of the season.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's reserve team tasted defeat for the first time in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division since September 2004 as they stumbled to a surprise 2-1 defeat at bottom of the table Worcester City. Tobias Salmon netted the Pic's only goal.

Rushall Olympic supporters were left feeling visibly aged following a dramatic top-of-the-table clash with neighbours Chasetown that saw the Dales Lane side finally triumph after hanging on for dear life during the final 10 minutes of the encounter. However, the result means that the Pic's now require a maximum of 8 points from their final 5 games to clinch the championship.

Hero of the hour for Rushall was undoubtedly 'keeper Ryan Price who was forced to pull off a string of stunning saves to deny a rampant Scholars attack who threw everything but the kitchen sink at their promotion rivals.

However, the only goal of the game arrived just after the half hour mark when a free-kick from 30 yards out by sweeper Ian Mitchell was looped into the Chasetown penalty area and midfielder Ron Walker rose majestically above his marker to head powerfully home past 'keeper Simon Bryan from 8 yards.

During the second period the home side were firmly on the back foot as the Scholars probed purposefully for an equaliser, but their cause was additionally hampered by the loss of influential front-runner Neil Kitching at the interval and fact that another striker was surprisingly not available on the bench.

As the game progressed to a nerve wracking conclusion, twice in the space of 3 minutes Olympic's custodian was forced to rescue his colleagues as he somehow managed to deny striker Steve Ball with excellent blocks from close range, while following the second occasion skipper Richard Brown had to clear frantically off the line.

However, in the 4th minute of injury time Rushall almost capitulated their slender advantage when Chasetown forced a corner and with even visiting stopper Simon Bryan pushed forward in attack as the ball was momentarily cleared a 25-yard block buster strike looked to be heading for the right side of goal, but was somehow pushed away by Ryan Price at full stretch.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's reserve team's bid to reach the Final of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy for the very first time was given a tremendous boost after clinching an excellent 3-1 victory in the Semi-Final 1st Leg tie at Leicestershire outfit Quorn. Tyrone Barnett netted a fine brace, while Ben Porter completed the scoring.

The 2nd Leg is scheduled to take place at Dales Lane on Saturday 26th March, kick-off 2.45 pm and with the first team not having a game on that day the support of Rushall regulars would be very much appreciated.

Rushall Olympic's Dales Lane ground yesterday underwent an inspection from a party of representatives from both the Football Association and the Northern Premier League ground grading committee.

The good news for everyone concerned at Rushall was that following the outcome of the site visit it was decreed that the ground was very much up to the standard required for participation in the Unibond League League First Division.

However, should Olympic go on to become the eventual Travel Factory Alliance champions, they will still undoubtedly face a play-off against a candidate from one of the other feeder leagues battling for the eight promotion places on offer across this level of the non-league pyramid.

Rushall Olympic's youth team romped home to an emphatic 5-2 victory over bottom of the table Dudley Sports at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic extended their advantage at the top of the Travel Factory Alliance table in devastating fashion as they secured an excellent 3-0 victory over second placed Quorn at Dales Lane to go 17 points clear in pole position in front of a crowd of 238, their largest of the campaign so far.

The win owed much to another superlative team performance and the Pic's now go into their final 6 games of the campaign with the knowledge that 14 points will definitely be enough to clinch the championship.

Despite a strong start by Quorn, Rushall soon had their guests firmly on the back foot when in the 15th minute Joe O'Connor out jumped his marker to meet Tim Jackson's looping cross from the left and his downward header had to be pushed on to the right post by 'keeper Matt Nurse.

However, Quorn failed to heed the warning when on 16 minutes Olympic deservedly took the lead as Neil Kitching broke forward and sent playmaker Simon Truman clear who finished off the move in fine style as he consummately slotted the ball home past 'keeper Matt Nurse from 20 yards.

The Leicestershire outfit rallied briefly just before the half hour mark when Rhys Tippett's purposeful run down the left channel was spotted by 'keeper Ryan Price who blocked out the wideman's eventual low drive from just inside the penalty area.

However, as Olympic finished the half strongly Ron Walker's 34th minute volley rose marginally over the bar after Willie Dunn's ball in from the right was knocked down by Neil Kitching.

Rushall began the second period like an express train and on 49 minutes they forged into a two goal lead when Neil Kitching rose high above Quorn's defence to power home a downward header from 8 yards after making a destructive connection with Willie Dunne's looping corner from the left.

Two minutes later and Olympic were in wonderland as Joe O'Connor was released by Simon Truman and the former England Semi-Professional International used all his skill and experience to run on and confidently lash the ball home past the stunned Matt Nurse from 20 yards.

Quorn should have reduced the arrears on 53 minutes as Joe Jonas struck the underside of the crossbar from close range, but all-in-all the visitors were ultimately left a well beaten side by the end of a contest the home side largely dominated.

Click here for the match report & exclusive pictures

Rushall Olympic's Walsall & District Football Association Senior Cup Quarter-Final tie against Dr Martens League Division One West outfit Sutton Coldfield Town at their Coles Lane ground has now been rescheduled to Monday 21st March 2004, kick-off 7.45 pm.

The game was due to be played on Tuesday 8th March, but Sutton are involved in a league match at Brackley Town on the following evening.

Rushall Olympic maintained their strangle hold at the top of the Travel Factory Alliance table with a hard fought 2-1 victory against a Ludlow Town outfit who had previously been unbeaten at home in their last 6 games.

The win meant that the Pic's have now recorded 8 consecutive league victories and have increased their lead to an extremely healthy 14 point margin over second placed Quorn, who they face next weekend at Dales Lane in another crunch fixture.

Rushall took a 19th minute lead through in-form striker Joe O'Connor who netted his 18th goal of the season in all competitions and his 8th goal in 7 league games. However, the battling home side were back on level terms within three minutes of falling behind through Gareth Horler.

Olympic eventually claimed all three points during the second period when Nick Campbell confidently converted from the penalty spot on 75 minutes.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's first team are proud to have been named as the Travel Factory Alliance "Team of the Month" for February 2005 and also become the first club this season to receive the honour more than once, not to mention twice in consecutive months.

The award is again sponsored by Moldwell Products Ltd of John Street, Walsall and it signified the fact during February the Dales Lane side recorded an incredible 7 consecutive league victories in the space of only 26 days, which is believed to be something of a record achievement for a Travel Factory Alliance side.

On behalf of the club's supporter's I would like to send out a big thank you to the players and the management team for their fantastic achievement. Well done.

Rushall Olympic's Birmingham County Football Association Senior Cup campaign was sadly ended at the Semi-Final stage by a young and talented Barclays Premiership Birmingham City outfit.

The Dales Lane side were bidding to become the first ever Travel Factory Alliance team to reach the final of the prestigious competition, but were undone by two goals in the final 36 minutes at the bitterly cold Damson Park ground of Southern League Premier Division outfit Solihull Borough FC.

Despite a promising start Rushall eventually succumbed to the superior fitness of their professional hosts and went behind on 54 minutes when striker Peter Till fired home from just outside the box.

Olympic spurned a good opportunity to get back on level terms with 15 minutes remaining but somehow substitute Tyrone Barnett managed to scoop over Nick Campbell's in-swinging corner from only a yard out.

However, it was inevitably the Blues who clinched a place in the Final of the prestigous competition when after Rushall's defence failed to track the mazey run of the ever dangerous Nick Wright who cut in from the left and rifled the ball into the bottom left corner from 18 yards.

Click here for the match report & team details

A much changed Rushall Olympic side were taken into extra-time by Express & Star League Premier Division outfit Heath Hayes before they eventually progressed into the Walsall & District Football Association Senior Cup Quarter-Final courtesy of a 3-2 victory at Newlands Lane.

With only three players on show who had featured in the weekend's 16-man squad that faced Malvern Town, a initially disorganised Rushall line-up were on the receiving end with only 8 minutes gone when following a long throw-in from the right 'keeper Paul Cooke, was marginally slow to react to the danger and front runner Richard Hewitt was allowed to slot the ball home from 10 yards.

As the first half progressed Olympic finally began to gel as a playing unit and with 4 minutes to go to the interval they were eventually back on level terms when Aaron Bishop rattled home a powerful low free-kick into the left side of the net from the edge of the area after the ball had taken a deflection on the way through.

Despite both sides creating useful goal scoring opportunities during the second period there was nothing to separate the opponents at the stroke of full time and 30 minutes of extra time commenced.

In the 95th minute the visitors took the initiative when Rory MacFarlane's run into the Heath Hayes penalty area was brought to an abrupt halt by a defensive foul challenge and coach Dave Read stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick which he buried centrally through 'keeper Karl Ward's grasp with shear brute force.

Within five minutes of falling behind for the first time in the contest the home side were back on level terms when with Olympic still appealing for a blatant foul on one of their contingent on the right touch line in the oppositions half, a rapid break forward by Heath Hayes saw ex-Olympian Andrew Tuck burst through Rushall's hesitant defensive ranks and slot home from the edge of the box with 'keeper Paul Cooke left totally flat footed.

However, to their credit the visitors did not give up hope and in the first minute of the second period of extra time they got a reward for their persistence when they grabbed what turned out to be the winning goal as a dangerous ball into the box was challenged for by the Heath Hayes stopper but was instead met by substitute Tyrone Barnett who slotted home a first time shot from 15 yards to seal victory.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic are all geared up for the much awaited Birmingham County Football Association Senior Cup Semi-Final tie against Barclays Premiership outfit Birmingham City.

The Dales Lane side will be bidding to become the first Travel Factory Alliance team ever to reach the final of the prestigious competition.

The match will take place at the Damson Park ground of Southern League Premier Division outfit Solihull Borough FC, where the Blues' reserves play most of their home games, on Wednesday 2nd March 2005.

Rushall Olympic maintained their 11 point lead at the top of the Travel Factory Alliance table with an extremely hard fought 3-0 victory over 4th placed Malvern Town at Dales Lane that owed everything to another excellent team performance.

On a difficult playing surface against a robust fellow promotion chasing side Rushall showed a tremendous level of character as they secured a 7th straight league victory and another vital three points, thanks a second successive brace from in-form striker Joe O'Connor and a single late on from substitute Nick Campbell.

Olympic deservedly took the lead on 32 minutes when skipper Richard Brown's ball over the top of the visitors defence was chased through by Joe O'Connor who beat the persistent irritating off-side trap. As the striker advanced menacingly forward 'keeper Paul Wyatt raced out of his area to narrow the angle, but the former England Semi-professional International side stepped the stopper and rolled the ball home into an empty net from outside the box.

The deteriorating playing conditions arguably began to work to Malvern's advantage and their more forceful approach, but it was the home side who continued to play their attractive flowing football and in the 81st minute they finally got a reward for all their hard work as Joe O'Connor netted his 7th goal in 6 games to round off a superlative move. The seasoned striker strode through the centre before exchanging an intelligent one-two with Ron Walker on the edge of the penalty area and ran on to clinically slot home from 10 yards into the bottom right corner.

The second goal virtually killed off Malvern's hopes of salvaging something from the game and with 4 minutes remaining the Pic's put the icing on the cake as substitute Nick Campbell took advantage of a defensive slip to fire in a vicious low drive from 20 yards that took a slight deflection and flew past the flat footed custodian into the bottom right corner.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's reserve team's bid to reach the Final of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy fell victim to the weather when their Semi-Final 1st Leg tie at Quorn was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. The new date for the game has yet to be arranged.

Two players that have recently moved out of Dales Lane are midfielder Jason Lanns and striker Kirk Maragh, both of whom are believed to have joined Travel Factory Alliance rivals Romulus.

23-yeard-old Lanns had returned to Dales Lane for a second spell after signing from Bedworth United in January 2004 and had previously been with Sutton Coldfield Town. He began his career as a youngster with Birmingham City, before going on to sign professional terms with Leeds United under the management of David O'Leary. Despite impressing for the United youth and reserve sides he was unable to win a chance in the first team squad and after four years at Elland Road he eventually joined Rochdale and also had a brief trial with Oldham Athletic. He later moved into non-league football with North West Counties League outfit Bacup Borough, before returning to the Midlands to sign for Tamworth and then having spells with Rushall, Grosvenor Park and Racing Club Warwick.

30-year-old Maragh recently transferred back to Rushall after a brief spell with Alliance rivals Oldbury United, but originally arrived at Dales Lane in October 2003 from Sutton Coldfield Town after having a short 'loan' spell with Pelsall Villa. He ended last season as Olympic's top scorer with 17 goals. He first came to prominence with Sutton, before moving on to Blakenall and Paget Rangers and later returned to Sutton.

We wish both of the players the very best of luck in their future endeavours and thank them for their services at Dales Lane.

I would like to apologise for the web site not being accessible since Tuesday 22nd February, but unfortunately our service provider Easy Space were suffering from techical problems. Hopefully these issues have now been rectified. Thank you.

Rushall Olympic increased their lead at the top of the Travel Factory Alliance table to a healthy 11 point margin with a superb 3-0 victory over second placed neighbours Chasetown at their Church Street ground.

The fixture was a must-win game for Rushall who had played 4 more games than their nearest rivals and on a bitterly cold evening with a light dusting of snow underfoot, both teams put on an excellent display of end-to-end attacking football that was a credit to the Alliance.

After a bright start by The Scholars, Olympic went ahead after only 10 minutes with virtually their first worthwhile attack of the game as Willie Dunn's corner from the left was eventually played back out to the feet of skipper Richard Brown who rifled the ball home from 15 yards through a sea of legs into the bottom right corner with a low left foot drive.

Midway through the first period and Chasetown were handed an unlikely lifeline as the referee, much to everyone's surprise, inexplicably awarded a penalty kick in the home sides favour despite Ron Walker clearly winning possession from his opponent who took a tumble in the area with nobody appealing for the decision. However, Pic's 'keeper Ryan Price had the last laugh as he pulled off an excellent save from Danny Coates' conversion attempt to block the ball out at his left post.

Rushall had the perfect riposte just after the half hour mark when Tim Jackson ran clear down the left flank and his low centre was latched on to by Joe O'Connor who clinically powered home a low drive from 12 yards.

Three minutes after the interval and the Dales Lane side could not believe their bad luck when top scorer Neil Kitching was sent clear after good work by Simon Truman, but his vicious shot on the run from 15 yards smacked off the right post and fortuitously dropped straight into the grasp of 'keeper Simon Bryan who had initially been beaten all ends up.

As The Scholars pushed relentlessly forward in the latter stages of the contest in search of goal to pressurise their guests, they began to leave gaping holes within the back line. Indeed, with two minutes remaining it was little surprise when Rushall substitute Ben Porter broke clear down the right channel, but when the back-tracking Chasetown rearguard made a complete hash of defending the danger as Nick Campbell's centred low across the face of goal, the unmarked Joe O'Connor completed his brace in the simplest of fashions as he rolled the ball over the line from close range to complete an excellent night for the Pic's.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's youth team made it two consecutive 3-3 draws as they earned an important point against Lye Town at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic maintained their 8 point lead at the top of the Travel Factory Alliance table with an excellent 2-1 victory over Oadby Town in Leicestershire.

The triumph was only Rushall's second ever at Wigston Road in six seasons of Alliance meetings and the result owed much to the poaching instinct of Dales Lane top scorer Neil Kitching who netted a goal in the 40th and 47th minutes to take his seasonal tally to 17 in all competitions.

The strikers two goals haul was his 5th brace of the campaign and resulted in Olympic's 5th successive league victory since their 1-0 reversal at home to Stourbridge at the end of January, making it an excellent sequence of only 1 defeat in 13 Alliance games.

Although Oadby grabbed a late consolation goal through defender Tyrone Mintus on the stroke of full time the result was never in any doubt and it meant that the Dales Lane side completed the league double over their Leicestershire rivals for only the second time - the only previous occasion they had achieved this feat being back in season 2001-02.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team stretched their unbeaten run in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division to 11 games as they recorded an emphatic 4-1 home victory over Leicestershire outfit Barwell to maintain their second spot in the table behind leaders Bromsgrove Rovers.

Rushall Olympic's youth team bounced back from two consecutive defeats to earn a 3-3 draw at Blackheath Town in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team were proud to have been named as the ICIS Combination Reserve Division "Team of the Month" for January 2005.

The award is sponsored by Bromsgrove & Redditch Trophies.

During January the Dales Lane second string recorded two league victories and a draw, in addition to beating league leaders Bromsgrove Rovers to progress into the Semi-Final of the Challenge Trophy.

The reserves also won the honour back in October 2004.

Rushall Olympic earned an extremely hard fought 1-0 victory over a tough Loughborough Dynamo outfit at Dales Lane to go 8 points clear at the top of the Travel Factory Alliance table.

The winning goal arrived in the 79th minute as Willie Dunn cut in from the left by-line and curled the ball into the top right corner of the net past the surprised Loughborough custodian with a pacey cross-come-shot.

Rushall also hit the post twice, once in each half, but the second half ended on an unsavoury note as the visitors finished the contest having had two players sent off in separate incidents, while Rushall also reached the conclusion of the match without Tim Jackson who was also dismissed.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic made it 11 goals in two games as they cemented their place at the top of the Travel Factory Alliance table by sending rock bottom Bridgnorth Town back to Shropshire with a heavy 5-1 defeat under their belts.

For the second week running Rushall were forced to compete on a sticky playing surface that made good football a virtual impossibility. However, the Pic's manfully set about the task in hand and eventually reaped the benefits of all their hard work as the visitors defence ultimately yielded four goals in the final half hour of the contest.

Despite their overall dominance Olympic had to wait until the 21st minute to venture ahead when Neil Barnfield's powerful 20 yarder flew into the right side of the goal.

With the visitors failing to pose any problems for Rushall 'keeper Ryan Price, it was little surprise when the Dales Lane side doubled their advantage on 66 minutes as Ron Walker received a pin-point through ball on the edge of the box and rifled home with a neat finish into the bottom left corner to notch his 3rd goal in consecutive games.

Ten minutes later and the goal scorer turned provider as Ron Walker intelligently set up Joe O'Connor whose low drive beat Bridgnorth 'keeper Simon Broome from 15 yards.

The game went goal crazy in the final 7 minutes of the contest as the spectators were treated to a three goal flourish.

Firstly, the home side went 4-0 up as Joe O'Connor completed his brace as he turned skipper Richard Brown's powerful header home from a corner at the left post to make sure, while 3 minutes later defender Dave Davies incredibly conceded his 3rd penalty on successive Saturday's and Bridgnorth's Mike Walters clinically converted into the bottom right corner for what was little more than a consolation.

However, Rushall had the final word when on the stroke of full time substitute Leon Allen marked his home debut in spectacular fashion as his stunning 30 yard first drive rocketed into the roof of the net.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team stretched their unbeaten run in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division to ten games as they recorded a convincing 3-1 home win over Boldmere St Michaels to regain second place from neighbours Chasetown and maintain the pressure on leaders Bromsgrove Rovers at the top of the table. Olympic's goals came courtesy of Sean Allington, Tyrone Barnett and Andy Malcolm.

The last time the Pic's suffered a league defeat was back in September 2004.

Rushall Olympic's youth team suffered a heavy defeat as they went down 4-0 at Lye Town in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic hit a struggling Biddulph Victoria outfit for six as they reclaimed top spot in the Travel Factory Alliance league table for the first time since November after leaders Chasetown could only muster a goalless draw at Barwell. Meanwhile, the Dales Lane side had six different players on the score sheet as they recorded their best away result since triumphing 6-1 at Cradley Town back in August 2001.

Olympic had the best possible start when after less than 3 minutes Joe O'Connor rifled home from close range after being set up by strike partner Neil Kitching. However, despite their overall dominance the visitors had to wait until the first minute of the second period to double their advantage when Neil Kitching's diving header converted Tim Jackson's pin-point cross from the left in devastating fashion.

Biddulph gave their guests a wake-up call on 49 minutes when Rushall sloppily gave away possession while on the attack and James Marrow eventually raced clear to round 'keeper Ryan Price and fire the ball into an empty net from the edge of the box. However, Olympic answered the challenge when within a couple of minutes of conceding the goal they went 3-1 up as Simon Truman latched on to Neil Kitching's right wing centre and buried the ball into the net from 10 yards.

A third Rushall goal within the space of just 11 second half minutes arrived to vanquish any hopes the home side had of making an unlikely comeback when an excellent sweeping 3-man move involving Joe O'Connor, Neil Kitching and Tim Jackson ended with the latter netting his first goal for the club by latching on to a slide-rule pass and slotting home from 12 yards.

Despite Tim Jackson also slamming the ball against the crossbar minutes later, Olympic had to wait until the 72nd minutes to grab their fifth goal when Willie Dunn's corner was headed home from close range by Ron Walker.

Although Olympic lost their way in the final 15 minutes as the heavy going under foot finally took its toll, on 84 minutes they had 'keeper Ryan Price to thank for preventing the Vic's from pulling back another consolation goal as he pulled off an superb penalty save at full stretch to deny Neil Pestridge after Dave Davies had fouled in the area.

With less than a minute remaining Rushall ended the game with a flourish when defender Dave Davies found himself in an advanced position down the right flank and looped a speculative high cross into the box that both Joe O'Connor and the home 'keeper missed and the ball somehow found its way into the net without assistance from fully 30 yards.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's reserve team followed up their Quarter-Final victory in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy over league leaders Bromsgrove Rovers with a 1-1 league draw at Dales Lane against the Worcestershire side. Rushall's goal came from Daniel Hemmings.

Unfortunately, the result meant that previously third placed Chasetown leapfrogged Rushall into second spot in the table, with the Pic's now 7 points behind leaders Bromsgrove with only 2 games in hand.

Rushall Olympic endured a busy week in the transfer market as the revolving door at Dales Lane worked overtime.

The surprise departure was that of one-time Bristol City player Matt Aubrey who only made his debut for the club on Saturday 29th January against Stourbridge after transferring during that week from Herefordshire rivals Westfields.

Manager John Allen had wanted the 20-year-old on board until the end of the season and the only sticking point at the time was obviously the travelling distances involved to and from his Herefordshire home.

The former Forest Green Rovers and Gloucester City front runner featured in his second game for Rushall on Tuesday 1st February at Studley, but the Dales Lane boss had already seen enough to convince him that the move had not worked out as he had first planned.

Notably, Aubrey transferred back to his former club Westfields that week and duly scored on his return to the Herefordshire side on Saturday 5th February in their 2-1 win at Oadby Town.

Meanwhile, experienced defender Russell Dodd has transferred to Warwickshire outfit Studley after being restricted to only limited appearances for the first time following his arrival at Dales Lane back in December 2004. The move took place in the wake of Rushall's midweek win over Studley at their Beehive ground where the former Bedworth United and Oldbury United assistant manager featured on the bench for Olympic.

On a more positive note Olympic welcomed new signing Leon Allen into the Dales Lane squad and the midfielder made his debut as a second half substitute in the 6-1 drubbing of Biddulph Victoria. Leon had most recently featured for the likes of Great Wyrley and Bromsgrove Rovers this season and was formerly a member of the Willenhall Town squad that finished the 2003-04 campaign as Travel Factory Alliance runners-up and gained promotion to Division One of the UniBond League. He was also previously with clubs including Stratford Town and Wednesfield. Welcome to the club Leon, we hope that you have a successful stay with us.

Additionally, front runner Kirk Maragh has transferred back to Dales Lane from league rivals Oldbury United after less than a month at York Road, where he had only been featuring on the bench. Last season's 17-goal top scorer transferred to our Travel Factory Alliance rivals in early January. However, Kirk had enjoyed a fantastic start to the current season when he netted an opening day hat-trick as Rushall trounced Oadby Town 5-1 at Dales Lane. Despite netting 5 goals in the first three games of the season he then went on to net only two more goals to make it 7 from 16 starts and 5 appearances on the bench. An injury in October saw him miss 8 games and on his return a month later he never appeared to be the same player with a loss of match fitness evident. The move was at the time seen as the best solution for both parties; however we all welcome Kirk back to the club and hope that he has a successful stay with us.

The only other piece of transfer news is that experienced midfielder Clive Walker has also signed as cover for Rushall for the remainder of the season. Clive was previously at Dales Lane during season 2000-01 and has also featured for clubs including Sutton Coldfield Town, Bilston Town, Tamworth, Evesham United, Racing Club Warwick, Hinckley United, Nuneaton Borough, Stourbridge, Oldbury United, Shifnal Town and Brierley Hill Town.

Rushall Olympic are proud to have been named as the Travel Factory Alliance "Team of the Month" for January 2005.

The award is sponsored by Moldwell Products Ltd of John Street, Walsall.

During January the Dales Lane side recorded four consecutive league victories followed by a draw and then a single defeat against high-flying Stourbridge to cap what was essentially a fine month for the club.

Rushall Olympic's much awaited Birmingham County Football Association Senior Cup Semi-Final tie against Barclays Premiership Birmingham City has been provisionally arranged for Wednesday 2nd March 2005.

Although the Pic's were hoping for the game to be played on home soil, the tie will instead take place at the Damson Park ground of Southern League Premier Division outfit Solihull Borough FC, where the Blues' reserves play most of their home games.

Rushall Olympic's youth team put up a brave fight but eventually went down 4-3 to 2nd placed Hednesford Town at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic bounced back from Saturday's discouraging home defeat to Stourbridge with a hard fought 2-0 victory at Studley in the Travel Factory Alliance that saw them go level with leaders Chasetown at the top of the table, despite having played two games more.

Kicking-off into a stiff gusty breeze, Rushall eventually stamped their authority on the game as they took the lead against a young energetic Studley side just after the half hour mark when top scorer Neil Kitching netted his 14th goal of the season by heading home Tim Jackson's pin-point 30-yard free-kick from close range.

A minute later and Willie Dunn almost thundered home a stinging drive from 25-yards that had to be tipped around the post by the home 'keeper.

Rushall wrapped up all three points with 15 minutes remaining when Tim Jackson got his second assist of the evening as his low cross in from the left was met by Ron Walker whose low first time shot from just inside the box rocketed into the net.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to pull level with Travel Factory Alliance leaders Chasetown after going down to a hugely disappointing 1-0 home defeat to 5th placed Stourbridge on a day that the Staffordshire table-toppers succumbed to a heavy home defeat against Alvechurch.

The main talking points of the game were two separate penalty awards, the first of which arrived in favour of Rushall on the stroke of half time as debutant striker Matt Aubrey was bundled over down the right side of the Stourbridge box. Unfortunately for the Dales Lane side in-form visiting 'keeper Andy Higgs guessed correctly to deny Olympic top scorer Neil Kitching, whose rather tame drive towards the left side of goal at a favourable height was parried away for a corner.

The second decision arrived against the run of play on 65 minutes when ex-Olympian Andy Wright's close range snap shot was superbly blocked at point-blank range by home 'keeper Ryan Price, but during the goalmouth scramble that followed an assistant referee spotted an alleged infringement as striker Mark Bellingham took a tumble and a penalty kick was awarded. On this occasion Stourbridge were not as wasteful as their hosts and Bellingham picked himself up to hammer home what turned out to be the deciding goal into the bottom left corner, sending the Rushall stopper the wrong way.

Olympic toiled in vain for the remainder of the game, unable to break down a resilient Stourbridge outfit that all too easily snuffed out the Dales Lane sides attempts to play their natural passing game. However, at the end of the day, two games in the space of four days only yielded only a single point for Rushall, mainly thanks to a lack of a ruthless cutting edge in front of goal.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team progressed into the Semi-Final stage of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy following a nail-biting 3-2 extra-time victory at league leaders Bromsgrove Rovers. Olympic's goals came courtesy of a Sean Allington brace and a single strike from Wayne Hall.

The match had ended two-all after ninety minutes before Olympic netted the all-important winner in over time to claim a victory that will also give them tremendous confidence for the following week's league meeting between the top two sides at Dales Lane.

After defeating Coca-Cola League One neighbours Walsall in the Quarter-Final of the Birmingham County Football Association Senior Cup, Rushall Olympic's reward is now an away tie against Barclays Premiership Birmingham City in the Semi-Final of the competition.

This stage of the trophy will be new territory for the Dales Lane side and it will certainly be the first occasion that the Pic's and the Blues have met head-to-head in a game.

The tie should take place on or before Saturday 28th February 2005, but the the venue is as yet unconfirmed. Rushall will undoubtedly be trying to stage the game at Dales Lane, but it is more likely that it will be played at the Damson Park ground of Solihull Borough where Birmingham City's reserves play most of their home games.

Rushall Olympic's youth team triumphed for the first time in four games as they claimed an excellent 3-0 victory over Himley Athletic at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic's bid to close to within a point of league leaders Chasetown was previously thwarted by a battling Racing Club Warwick side. However, Rushall had to overcome an early upset as Warwick took a ninth minute lead when Leon Thomas drillied home from the edge of the area after the visiting defence failed to deal with Scott Lovell's cross.

A fine double save from Warwick 'keeper Richard Williams denied Jason Lanns and Nicky Campbell two minutes later, before he managed to turn Simon Truman's effort around the post.

Olympic continued to push forward and Neil Kitching had an effort disallowed for a foul on the keeper, while just before the break their top scorer missed out again when his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

However, Rushall's pressure finally told three minutes into the second half when Simon Truman charged through to score after rounding off a fine four-man move.

The lively Neil Kitching twice went close with headers as the visitors looked for a winner, while Richard Brown sent a headed over the crossbar from Darren Goodall's corner.

With Ronnie Walker outstanding in midfield for John Allen's side, Warwick's second half chances were few and far between until substitute Darren Beckett powered an effort into the side-netting late on.

Rushall Olympic made it four straight Travel Factory Alliance victories last Saturday as they took all three points with an extremely hard fought 3-1 away victory against a resilient Alvechurch outfit at Lye Meadow.

The result saw the Dales Lane side close the gap at the top of the table to four points after leaders Chasetown were without a game and in the process stretched their recent league run to only one defeat in the last 14 games.

In a match played on an already sticky playing surface made up almost predominantly of mud, a steady fall of sleet throughout much of the contest failed to improve matters under foot. However, despite a hesitant start it was Rushall who ultimately adapted better to the playing conditions as they took the lead midway through the first period. Hard graft from Ron Walker won back possession and as the ball was eventually played across the face of goal to Willie Dunn on the right side of the penalty area the wing back rifled home from 15 yards to record his first strike of the campaign.

With Olympic still celebrating the breakthrough Alvechurch brought their guests crashing back down to earth as they drew level from the penalty spot within a minute of falling behind. The hugely debatable award was given as a result of an alleged handling offence in Rushall's area, despite the fact that it was arrived courtesy of a shot from point blank range. Predictably, Andy Dodd made no mistake with the resulting kick, sending 'keeper Ryan Price the wrong way.

However, the Pic's were undaunted and they deservedly edged back in front five minutes before the interval when a defensive slip from a poor back header was ruthlessly capitalised upon by striker Nick Campbell who expertly rounded the 'keeper and slotted the ball home into an empty net from close range.

Olympic continued to boss the second period, but they had to wait until four minutes from full time to ensure all three points when Nick Campbell and substitute Joe O'Connor combined superbly with the latter deftly curling the ball around the advancing Alvechurch custodian and into the top right corner from 15 yards with virtually his first touch of the game.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team recorded an excellent 5-0 victory over struggling Oadby Town at Dales Lane in an ICIS Combination Reserve Division fixture. Olympic's goals came courtesy of a fine hat-trick from Daniel Hemmings and efforts from Tyrone Barnett and Sean Allington.

The result, together with leaders Bromsgrove Rovers being held to a draw, meant that the Pic's are now only 7 points behind leaders with 2 games in hand in second spot in the table.

A succession of injury problems has recently prompted Rushall Olympic manager John Allen to serve Travel Factory Alliance rivals Westfields with a seven day notice of approach for their one-time Bristol City player Matt Aubrey, who recently arrived at the Herefordshire side from Conference club Forest Green Rovers.

The 20-year-old began his career as a trainee with the Ashton Gate club before originally joining Westfields for a brief spell towards the end on season 2003-04 prior to signing for the Conference club.

This season has seen the player join Gloucester City and Cinderford Town for loan spells, prior to being released by Rovers just after Christmas.

The Dales Lane boss wants the striker, who can also operate in central defence, on board until the end of the season, but the only sticking point may be the travelling distances involved.

Rushall Olympic pulled off a shock result as they ended Coca-Cola League One neighbour's Walsall interest in this season's Birmingham Senior Cup to progress into the Semi-Final stage for the very first time in their history by claiming a memorable 3-2 victory at Dales Lane.

Despite the Saddlers fielding the likes of first team regulars Mark Paston, Joe Broad and Marvin Robinson, Rushall could not believe their luck as they stormed into a well deserved 3-0 lead by the time there were only fifteen minutes remaining of the contest. Indeed, only a quick fire brace from Walsall striker Leroy Williams in the space of six minutes saved the Saddlers blushes and made it a nervy final three minutes for the Travel Factory Alliance side who were forced to play the final ten minutes of the game with ten men after their two-goal hero Ben Porter was forced to leave the pitch through inury with all three substitutes used.

Rushall enjoyed the perfect start on 9 minutes when teenage striking sensation Ben Porter was sent clear by Nick Campbell and after powering 30 yards towards goal, through a couple of defensive challenges, he clinically smashed the ball into the roof of the net from just inside the box past the advancing 'keeper.

The home side continued to dominate until the half hour mark when Walsall finally became to come back into the contest. However, the visitors brief revival didn't last long when on 72 minutes they fell further behind as Rushall skipper Richard Brown played an excellent ball over the top of the Saddlers defence for substitute Tyrone Barnett to run on to and the teenager produced an excellent finish as he drove the ball past Mark Paston from the edge of the area with great aplomb.

Things got even better for Olympic three minutes later as they incredibly went 3-0 in front after Ben Porter was recklessly hacked down in the area by Ryan Willetts to win his side a penalty kick. The highly-rated young striker quickly picked himself up to send the visitors stopper the wrong and bury the spot kick into the right side of the net.

With Walsall fans beginning to leave the ground, many of them missed their sides best spell of the evening when unmarked striker Leroy Williams produced a goal out of nothing as he struck a 25-yard pile-driver into the top left corner on 81 minutes and then repeated the feat from the edge of the box six minutes later as he volleyed home.

The final three minutes of the contest seemed like a an eternity for the Dales Lane faithful and everyone had their hearts in their mouths on the stroke of full time when Scott Dann headed on to the crossbar from a free-kick and the rebound was gratefully scrambled away to safety.

However, it was Rushall Olympic's night and anything other than a victory for the home side would have been a travesty of justice.

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Rushall Olympic ground out an important 3-2 victory over Stratford Town at Dales Lane to strengthen their second place in the Travel Factory Alliance table by opening up a healthy gap of 4 points above nearest rivals Quorn and Malvern Town. However, another victory by leaders Chasetown maintained their own 7 point advantage over Rushall, having played one game more.

In a hard fought encounter that was certainly an enthralling spectacle, the overwhelming difference between the two sides was undoubtedly Olympic striker Neil Kitching who ultimately sentenced his former club to defeat with a fine brace of goals in the opening 17 minutes of the contest.

Rushall took a decisive lead in the 14th minute when Neil Kitching was released by a defence-splitting through ball to beat the offside trap and as the front runner raced clear he clinically slotted the home past the advancing 'keeper from the edge of the area.

Olympic could hardly believe their good fortune when 3 minutes later Tim Jackson's left footed free-kick was swung in from the right flank and Neil Kitching headed powerfully home from 12 yards.

Despite falling two goals behind, to their immense credit the Warwickshire outfit manfully set about the task of limiting further damage with a view of also dragging themselves back into the contest. Indeed, on the stroke of half-time they got their just reward when the ball went out of play for what appeared to be goal kick to Rushall but, from a corner that was strangely awarded instead, Stratford pulled a goal back when the ball was ultimately bundled over the goal line with the home contingent still arguing their case.

Within 8 minutes of the commencement of the second period Olympic deservedly regained their two-goal cushion as Neil Kitching this time turned provider and squared the ball to Jason Lanns whose crisp low drive from the edge of the area got the better of Town's stopper and found its way into the bottom corner of the net.

Unsurprisingly, much in line with the nature of the contest, Stratford were far from finished and just after the hour mark they pegged their hosts back once again as the ball was played swiftly out of defence into attack and influential playmaker Craig Woodley was allowed to carve his way through a hesitant Rushall back-line to slot home past 'keeper Paul Cooke from close range.

During the remaining 30 minutes of the match the Pic's almost finished with a flourish and only the heroics of Stratford 'keeper Chris Gibson prevented Olympic from running away with the contest as Neil Kitching and substitute Ben Porter were each twice denied from adding further goals.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's reserve team made it seven games unbeaten in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division as they earned a 1-1 draw in Leicestershire at Barwell. Olympic's goal came courtesy of Daniel Hemmings.

The result still means that the Pic's remain 10 points behind leaders Bromsgrove Rovers with 3 games in hand after their Worcestershire rivals also drew.

Walsall will play the most local of derbies next week when they make the four mile journey to Rushall in search of cup progress.

The Saddlers will visit Dales Lane on Tuesday 18th January when they take on Rushall Olympic in the Quarter-Finals of the Birmingham Senior Cup. And the Pic's are hoping that a large number of Saddlers fans will pack into the ground to give the ambitious Travel Factory Alliance club a bumper pay day.

"It should be a great occasion and we are really looking forward to it," said Rushall secretary Pete Athersmith.

"Competition rules state that Walsall have to play a reserve-strength team so we are hoping there will be a few familiar faces down here, maybe even a few first teamers. We already know there are two or three coach-loads of Walsall fans coming down and hopefully we will get a really good crowd."

Definitely attending on the night will be Saddlers player-manager Paul Merson and chief executive Roy Whalley, who will be casting their eyes over the Dales Lane facilities.

"We are moving in the right direction and all geared up for promotion," Athersmith said.

"We have spent a lot of money bringing our ground up to a high standard."

Tuesday's cup tie will kick off at 7.45pm and admission is priced at £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.

PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FOOTBALL CLUBS

Report Courtesy of the Walsall Advertiser

This evening Rushall Olympic played a behind closed doors friendly against Kidderminster Harriers with the match being arranged at the request of new Harriers manager Stuart Watkiss.

The former Rushall player has also now agreed to send his Kidderminster side to Dales Lane for a pre-season friendly during summer 2005.

Rushall Olympic's youth team were defeated 3-1 at AFC Telford in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic's long awaited Walsall Senior Cup 2nd Round tie at Heath Hayes was called off once again after the hosts pitch was declared this time "slippy" and also because of the blustery conditions.

However, on the same evening there appeared to be no other victims of the weather in an array of local league and cup games.

On the Tuesday before Christmas the tie was also called off as apparently the Express & Star League Premier Division outfit could not raise a side.

Once again manager John Allen was hoping to take the opportunity of fielding his first choice team in order to maintain his charges sharpness.

Third time lucky, it now looks like the tie will not take place at their Newlands Lane ground until well into February at the earliest if indeed our full first team is to be fielded.

Rushall Olympic were twice forced to come from behind as they clinched all three points in this enthralling game with a 4-2 victory at Westfields.

A brace from top scorer Neil Kitching and efforts from Simon Truman and Joe O'Connor were enough to stretch the Pic's impressive run of form in which they have stumbled to only 1 defeat in the last 11 league games since October.

On the last occasion Olympic travelled to the Hereford & Worcester region they scored three goals at Malvern Town and ended on the losing side, however this time at Westfields they were in no such mood to relinquish maximum points. However, despite the final score line the home side went in front with only 5 minutes on the watch through Mark Hibbard, but Rushall were quick to respond and were deservedly back on level terms by the 9th minute thanks to Neil Kitching.

Unfortunately, the visitors allowed Westfields to regain the initiative on the half hour mark when Derek Craddock fired home, but on this occasion Olympic had to wait until the 60th to restore parity when playmaker Simon Truman's effort found its way into the net.

From that point onwards there was no looking back for Rushall who surged into the lead for the first time in the contest within two minutes of drawing level when Joe O'Connor netted his 9th goal on the season.

With ten minutes remaining Neil Kitching put the icing on the cake by completing his brace and netting the Pic's fourth goal to seal another crucial victory that maintained their second spot in the Travel Factory Alliance table and keep the pressure on leaders Chasetown.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team continued their good run of form in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division as they secured an important 3-1 victory over bottom of the table Shepshed Dynamo at Dales Lane. A brace from Solomon Griffiths and a strike from Ryan McCorry were enough to settle the game.

The result cemented second place in the league table for the Pic's where they remain 10 points behind leaders Bromsgrove Rovers with 3 games in hand.

Rushall Olympic stretched their unbeaten Travel Factory Alliance home record into 2005 with an uninspiring but equally hard fought 2-1 victory over struggling Oldbury United at Dales Lane.

After the visitors had spurned a good opportunity to open their account in the 9th minute, Rushall took the lead midway through the first period when Nick Campbell broke out of defence down the right before Willie Dunn was sent on his way down the opposite flank and after beating his marker he delivered a well weighted ball to the far post that was clinically converted by the head of Joe O'Connor from close range.

Oldbury were back on level terms on the stroke of half time when a corner played in deep from the right was controlled by unmarked substitute Martin Keight who picked his spot and drove home into the bottom left corner from 15 yards through a crowded goal mouth.

Unfortunately the second period became a somewhat scrappy affair mainly spoiled by overly lenient refereeing, however the crucial goal arrived on 70 minutes when Simon Truman's 30 yard free-kick curled round the defensive wall was clumsily spilled by Oldbury 'keeper Peter Sharples and substitute Ben Porter reacted the quickest to rifle home the loose ball from 6 yards.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic manager John Allen rang in the New Year by strengthening his squad with the transfer of left sided wide man Tim Jackson from Travel Factory Alliance rivals Oldbury United.

The 21-year-old, with pace and trickery that can make him a defenders nightmare, began his career as a youngster with Stoke City before going on to have a spell with Kidderminster Harriers, prior to being released in November 2001 and linking up with Redditch United. He later moved on to Stourbridge in March 2002 and then the now defunct Halesowen Harriers, prior to transferring to Ludlow Town during summer 2003 and eventually moving on to Oldbury United in March 2004.

The Rushall boss is now likely to give the player his debut against his former colleagues in the Bank Holiday fixture on Monday 3rd January when they take on Oldbury at Dales Lane, kick-off 12.00 pm.

Rushall Olympic's much anticipated top of the table clash at neighbours Chasetown was called off on the morning of the game due to a frozen pitch.

Snow on Christmas Day plus a hard frost overnight on Boxing Day led to several areas of the Scholars Church Street pitch still being frozen on the day of the game.

The postponement means that John Allen's ring-rusty side have now been without a competitive game since Tuesday 14th December and are not scheduled to play again until Monday 3rd January when they take on Oldbury United at Dales Lane, kick-off 12.00 pm.

The rearranged Chasetown game is now likely to take place February or later as Rushall have Saturday-Tuesday matches all the way through January 2005.

Rushall Olympic have now set the date for the dream cup draw against Coca-Cola League One neighbours Walsall in the Quarter-Finals of the Birmingham County Football Association Senior Cup.

The tie will take place at Dales Lane on Tuesday 18th January 2005 and is bound to attract considerable local interest.

Although the two clubs have faced each other numerous times in pre-season friendlies over the years, this is believed to be one of the first occasions that the Pic's and the Saddler's have met head-to-head in a competitive game.

Rushall Olympic's Walsall Senior Cup 2nd Round tie at Heath Hayes was called off on the afternoon of the game as apparently the Express & Star League Premier Division outfit could not raise a side.

Manager John Allen was hoping to take the opportunity of fielding his first choice team in readiness for the top of the table clash at leaders Chasetown on Boxing Day after being without a game at the weekend.

The tie is now likely to take place at their Newlands Lane ground on Tuesday 11th January 2005.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team, who suffered a First Round exit from the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy with a 5-3 defeat at Oadby Town back on 23 October, certainly made the most of their second chance in the competition. In the wake of the Leicestershire side infringing one of the competition rules, the record from the first game was expunged and the replay ended in an emphatic 5-2 victory at Dales Lane for the Pic's.

Despite falling behind against the run of play, Rushall quickly turned the defecit into a 3-1 lead after an hour or so of the game thanks to strikes from Ben Porter, Neil Barnfield and Ryan McCorry.

Although home 'keeper Chris Gemmell conceded a penalty kick that was converted at the second attempt, Olympic wrapped up the tie in convincing fashion with further goals from Tyrone Barnett and a second from Neil Barnfield.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic, last season's beaten Polymac Service League Cup finalists, fielded a side featuring no less than 7 changes from Saturday's starting line-up as they eventually lost 5-4 on penalties at lowly Biddulph Victoria in the 2nd Round of the competition.

The opponents could not be separated as the game ended 1-1 after full time and extra time to result in a penalty shoot-out where the home side ultimately triumphed after Rushall skipper Richard Brown missed one of the conversion attempts.

Biddulph had taken the lead early in the first half, only for Olympic's Rob Holdcroft to equalise midway through the opening period with a rare goal that was only the left wing back's 3rd for the club despite featuring in some 133 games in recent seasons.

Rushall Olympic's youth team earned a 1-1 draw with Stapenhill at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic manager John Allen will be looking to field some of the promising young players from the Dales Lane reserve team squad in Tuesday evening's Polymac Service League Cup 2nd Round tie at Biddulph Victoria.

Rushall Olympic fell further behind Travel Factory Alliance leaders Chasetown thanks to a toothless display against Coalville Town at Dales Lane that ended in a 0-0 draw.

The visitors appeared content to take a point back home, but in reality they should have been extremely disappointed not to have taken all three points against a Rushall side lacking the necessary creativity and guile to pose a serious threat to the Leicestershire outfit.

However, Coalville did have the ball in the net five before the interval when a header from a free-kick was powered home by skipper Dave Tonge, but the effort was fortuitously ruled out for an alleged infringement.

Unfortunately that was as good as it got for both sides, although Olympic's Paul Cooke was certainly the busier of the two 'keepers as the game progressed to a conclusion.

Judging by the reactions of both benches at the end of the match it was hard to tell who was most relieved to hear the sound of the final whistle, however it was undoubtedly the spectators who were clearly the most appreciative having had to observe such a lacklustre affair.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic have been handed a dream draw against Coca-Cola League One neighbours Walsall in the Quarter-Finals of the Birmingham County Football Association Senior Cup.

Although the two clubs have faced each other numerous times in pre-season friendlies over the years, this is believed to be one of the first occasions that the Pic's and the Saddler's have met head-to-head in a competitive game.

The tie should take place at Dales Lane sometime in January 2005 and is bound to attract considerable local interest.

Rushall Olympic's youth team's run of two consecutive victories was halted as they were brought back down to earth with a bump during a 4-3 defeat at Gresley Rovers in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Rushall Olympic moved back up into second place in in the Travel Factory Alliance table as they claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over Racing Club Warwick at Dales Lane.

The main difference between the two essentially well matched sides was Rushall front runner Neil Kitching who netted a clinical brace in a ten minute spell midway through the second period.

Olympic deservedly forged ahead on 63 minutes when a corner from the right by the industrious Willie Dunn was headed powerfully home by the striker into the bottom right corner from 10 yards.

The deciding second goal arrived in the 73rd minute when Rushall's top scorer chased a seemingly lost cause down the right channel, but defender Lee Everitt was surprised to find himself under severe pressure and was dispossessed by Neil Kitching who raced clear to consummately place the ball past 'keeper Richard Williams at full stretch into the bottom right corner of the net from the edge of the area.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's reserve team played out a 0-0 draw at neighbours Chasetown in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division.

Rushall Olympic's youth team made it two victories on the trot as they stormed to an emphatic 5-0 win at Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division basement side Dudley Sports.

Rushall Olympic responded positively to their weekend disappoinment in Worcestershire to breeze into the Quarter-Final stage of the Birmingham Senior Cup at the expense of their Travel Factory Alliance rivals Stratford Town.

The 2-0 victory at Dales Lane was also ample revenge over the Warwickshire outfit who had already beaten Rushall 3-1 after extra time to retain the 2003-04 Polymac Services League Cup and also by a 2-1 margin in an away league fixture during a three week spell back in August.

Olympic ultimately dominated proceedings and could have rattled up a far more convincing scoreline had lady luck smiled more favourably upon the Walsall side. However, Rushall eventually eased ahead in the 34th minute when Willie Dunn swung a free-kick into the Stratford penalty area from the right flank and skipper Richard Brown rose highest to powerfully head home his 4th goal of the campaign from 10 yards.

Within three minutes of the commencement of the second period the Pic's made the game safe when Ben Smith sent a slide rule pass into Neil Barnfield some 8 yards out who retained his composure to rifle the ball clinically home past the visiting stopper.

As the game developed Rushall always looked more than likely to extend their lead, but try as they might they could not produce the required finish. However, at the end of the day it was confidence boosting victory for all at Dales Lane.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic were due to take on Travel Factory Alliance rivals Malvern Town with another new front runner in their squad.

The club this week pulled off something of a transfer coup by capturing the signature of Nick Campbell from Dr Martens League Division One West outfit Bromsgrove Rovers.

Nick first came to prominence when he originally arrived at Dales Lane back in August 2002 after spending the summer with Bilston Town. He went on to make an immediate impact during his first season with the club by netting some important goals and going on to firmly established himself as a regular in the starting line-up, but was later tempted away by Willenhall Town in November 2003 and scored some important goals in an impressive partnership with John Quilt that saw the Noose Lane club finish season 2003-04 as Travel Factory Alliance runners-up and gain promotion to Division One of the UniBond League.

A June 2004 transfer to Conference North side Stafford Rangers followed, before earlier this month he moved on to Dr Martens League Division One West outfit Bromsgrove Rovers, but recently left the Victoria Ground in the wake of manager Joe Jackson being relieved of his duties.

A very warm welcome back to the club Nick!

Rushall Olympic slipped back down to 3rd place in the Travel Factory Alliance table, after just one week in pole position, as their poor away form continued to give cause for concern. A defensive horror show at Malvern Town saw the visitors eventually slump to a 4-3 defeat - their heaviest of the campaign so far.

Once again Olympic supporters were left considering the conundrum why their side can carry an undefeated home league record that is second to none with 9 wins and a draw, while away from the safety of fortress Dales Lane it has been a totally different story with only a meagre 2 victories from 9 games.

On Rushall's first visit to the Langland Stadium since their West Midlands (Regional) League days, once again the fatal omen of netting an early goal reared its ugly head as Ron Walker struck with his second goal in two games with less than 5 minutes on the watch. However, in familiar fashion Malvern were back on level terms just after the half hour mark, before they surged into the lead for the first time following the interval, typically after Rushall had just spurned a good opportunity of forging ahead straight from the restart.

Olympic showed spirit by restoring parity prior to the hour thanks to a Darren Simkin strike and for a time all appeared well as the visitors began to play football, mainly thanks to the introduction of livewire substitutes Ben Porter and new signing Nick Campbell.

However, the Dales Lane side well and truly blotted their copy book as Malvern struck back on 69 minutes to regain the lead, while their Worcestershire hosts added insult to injury with a fourth two minutes from full time.

Although Ben Porter netted an excellent consolation goal for Rushall, it was all very much too little, too late as the Walsall side faced the long trek back up the M5 empty handed.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat against ICIS Combination Reserve Division leaders Bromsgrove Rovers in Group "B" of the Challenge Bowl Round 1.

Rushall Olympic recorded their seventh successive home victory in the Travel Factory Alliance as they elevated themselves to the top of the table for the first time since August.

However, it was an almighty struggle for the Dales Lane outfit against basement side Ludlow Town who well and truly belied their lowly placing, and the fact that they had lost their manager in midweek, to put up an admirable resistance that frustrated Rushall throughout the contest.

Olympic controlled the first period and what turned out to be the winning goal arrived on 26 minutes when an excellent cross from wing back Steve Shaw was headed powerfully downward into the right side of the net by midfielder Ron Walker who rose majestically above the visitor's defence.

However, during the second period there was little to write home about with Ludlow seemingly content to stifle any of Rushall's attacking play, while home 'keeper Paul Cooke was rarely tested.

Along with the creative influence of Steve Shaw, the other major plus point for Rushall was the work rate of the tireless Neil Kitching who fulfilled the role of the archetypal centre forward to perfection.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team were unfortunate not to progress into the Third Round of the Staffordshire Football Assiciation Challenge Cup as they were eventually knocked out of the competition by West Midlands (Regional) League Division One high-flyers Walsall Wood at Oak Park.

The game itself ended goalless after 90 minutes and 1-1 after extra time, with Rushall's goal coming from Ryan McCorry.

The tie was eventually settled on penalties 5-3 in Walsall Wood's favour, although Nathan Smith, Iain Haywood and Ben Porter netted the successful conversions for the Pic's.

Rushall Olympic's youth team halted a rune of three consecutive league and cup defeats as they recorded a fine 3-1 home victory over Blackheath Town in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division. The victory was ample revenge for the Pic's 3-7 Birmingham Youth Cup 1st Round exit back in September.

Rushall Olympic made it six home victories on the trot on Tuesday evening, but they were made to work extremely hard by a resilient Westfields outfit who never knew when they were beaten. However, despite Olympic twice taking the lead and being pegged back on each occasion, the visitors had no answer to Jason Lanns' last minute goal that sent Rushall back up to third place in the table with a 3-2 victory.

After dominating the opening part of the game, Rushall went ahead after 35 minutes when Neil Kitching netted his second penalty in successive games when the in-form striker picked himself up to convert the award after being brought down in full flight on a dangerous run into Westfields' 18 yard box.

Unfortunately, the lead lasted only three minutes as the visitors shocked their hosts by restoring parity with a 35 yard stunner from the right flank by midfielder Matt Beale, the flight and pace of which caught 'keeper Ryan Price cold.

Thirteen minutes into the second period and Olympic forged ahead once more as Ben Porter out paced his marker down the left flank before centring for midfielder Simon Truman who netted crisply into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box with his debut goal for the club.

With 15 minutes remaining unmarked substitute Kirk Maragh, returning from an absence of three weeks due to injury, spurned a great opportunity to seal the game as he controlled Neil kitching's intelligent header across goal but delayed his shot and was robbed of possession.

Although on 83 minutes Westfields again clawed their way back on to level terms as central defender Wayne Hoskins converted a free header on the far post from a corner kick, Rushall were not to be denied when Jason Lanns chased through a punt up field 6 minutes later and smashed the ball home from 15 yards to seal the game.

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Rushall Olympic admirably turned around a 2-0 deficit on Saturday afternoon as they forced a 2-2 draw with the Travel Factory Alliance's forceful newcomers Romulus at Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield with almost the very last kick of the contest, deep into injury time.

However had Rushall taken their chances during a first period, that saw them dominate for long periods, the final outcome could have been very different and the visitors should have won at a canter.

Olympic faced an uphill battle as they emerged from the dressing following the half-time interval in extremely sluggish fashion and within 15 minutes of the restart they were two goals behind as Romulus netted twice in the space of two minutes to capitalise on a nightmare period of slipshod defending.

First, former Olympian Richard Allen relished the opportunity of waltzing through unhindered on a 20 yard run before dispatching a low drive into the right corner from the edge of the box and then Craig Haywood drove home under the body of 'keeper Paul Cooke from similar distance after his run also went unchecked.

Stung by the rightly justified criticism of the disbelieving travelling support, Rushall began the process of redressing the balance in workman-like fashion and within three minutes of conceding the second goal they were awarded a penalty kick for a suspected hand ball by a Romulus defender. Following a prolonged delay due to a convenient injury, Neil Kitching held his nerve magnificently to clinically convert his sides' first penalty award in four attempts. This was also his sides 700th goal in Travel Factory Alliance football.

The introduction of 18-year-old front-runner Ben Porter again paid big dividends for Rushall as his pace and skill caused the home side untold problems and twice within the space of five minutes potent 20 yard strikes crashed off the crossbar to safety and were narrowly deflected for a corner.

With Romulus clearly content to waste time and hold up play with a series of niggling challenges in a vain attempt to run the clock down, their plan eventually back fired when Neil kitching's progress was recklessly impeded some 25 yards out. When peace had finally been restored following an unnecessary confrontation, with six minutes of stoppage time already on the watch, Steve Shaw's kick was driven into the penalty area and as the ball ricocheted around skipper Richard Brown's fierce low shot flew into the bottom left corner from 12 yards to salvage his side an unlikely point that capped an excellent comeback.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team registered a hard earned 2-1 ICIS Combination Reserve Division victory over Loughborough Dynamo at Dales Lane to continue their excellent progress up the league table into 2nd spot. The Pic's goals came courtesy of Chris Millard and Linzell Taylor.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team, who suffered a First Round exit from the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy with a 5-3 defeat at Oadby Town back on 23 October, will now be getting a second chance in the competition. Apparently Oadby Town infringed the competition rules by naming 5 substitutes, where as only 3 are allowed in the Combination. The record from the first game has been expunged and a replay of the fixture will take place on a date to be confirmed.

Rushall Olympic secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Barwell at Dales Lane in the Travel Factory Alliance thanks to a second brace of goals from striker Joe O'Connor within the space of a week and a second half strike from 18-year-old super sub Ben Porter.

Following the previous weeks double at Bridgnorth Town, the former Hednesford hit man netted his third and fourth goals in two games with strikes in the 8th and 30th as Rushall dominated the game for long periods to ease their way to all three points and to leap up into a lofty 3rd place in the table.

Olympic opened their account in the 8th minute as Simon Truman capitalised on Jason Lanns' hard work to square the ball to Joe O'Conor who blasted home from 12 yards.

Their advantage was double on the half hour mark when superb work from midfielder Neil Barnfield on the right saw him win possession, turn his marker and execute a 30 yard ball into the feet of Joe O'Connor on the edge of the Barwell box who rifled the ball low and hard into the corner of the net at the first time of asking.

On 65 minutes Rushall were furious to concede a highly debatable penalty that saw visiting striker Les Williams lose his footing all too easily under a lightweight challenge and striker Carl Noble clinically dispatched the resulting award.

However, Olympic had the last laugh as they registered their third excellent goal of the game when Neil Kitching sent Ben Porter clear and the young striker confidently slotted the ball past the advancing stopper from just inside the Barwell penalty area.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team put up a brave fight but narrowly went down 2-1 at Express & Star Premier Division outfit Lye Town in the Birmingham Fottball Association Midweek Floodlit Cup. Striker Ben Porter netted Rushall's goal.

Rushall Olympic made extremely hard work of a narrow 2-1 victory over Causeway United at Dales Lane in the Travel Factory Alliance.

Rushall registered their third consecutive league victory thanks to goals from striker Tony Eccleston and defender Darren Simkin.

However, after spurning the opportunity to make the game safe at 3-0 with a 73rd minute penalty miss that Darren Simkin drove straight at 'keeper John Carmichael, Olympic were made to sweat it out in a nervy final ten minutes as Causeway clinically converted a penalty award of their own to show the home side how it should be done.

Fortunately for the Dales Lane side they managed to hang on to the victory despite the visitors striking the woodwork with five minutes remaining.

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Rushall Olympic's youth team were knocked out the the Midland Floodlit Youth League Cup at the Second Round stage as they were finally edged out by higher league Boldmere St Michaels of the Premier Division 6-4 after extra time at Church Road.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team have been named as the ICIS Combination Reserve Division "Team of the Month" for October. The award is sponsored by Bromsgrove & Redditch Trophies. Congratulations to all involved and well done!

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Rushall Olympic registered a solid 2-0 victory at Bridgnorth Town in the Travel Factory Alliance thanks to a fine first half brace from striker Joe O'Connor.

The former Hednesford hit man netted typically predatory goals in the 15th and 32nd minutes as Rushall controlled the game for long periods to ease their way to all three points against the leagues basement side.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team registered a hard earned 3-2 ICIS Combination Reserve Division victory over Rugby United at Dales Lane to leap over their Warwickshire opponents up into 3rd spot in the table. Rushall's goals came via a brace from Nathan Smith and a strike from Linzell Taylor.

Rushall Olympic were due to take on Travel Factory Alliance rivals Bridgnorth Town with another new front runner in their squad.

The club pulled off something of a transfer coup by adding the experienced and versatile Welshman Simon Truman to their squad after snapping him up from Express & Star League Premier Division side Tividale.

Truman began his career by spending one and a half years at Tottenham Hotspur, before having a spell with Bristol Rovers. He later moved into the non-league game with Newport County AFC back in September 1996 and also gained valuable experience with Llanwern and Caldicot Town in the Welsh League.

A spell with former League of Wales champions Barry Town followed during season 2000-01, before signing for Cinderford Town in the summer of 2001 and then moving back over the border to Wales to link up with Haverfordwest County in March 2003.

Primarily a front runner, but also capable of playing at wing back or in midfield, he re-joined Dr Martens League outfit Cinderford in the summer of 2003, where he remained until the end of last season.

Olympic manager John Allen recently commented about the signing coup: "I was alerted to Simon when he phoned up one of my players Willie Dunn and told him he'd moved to Rushall. I couldn't believe my luck - most people move out of Rushall!"

Rushall Olympic were knocked out of the Staffordshire Football Association Senior Cup by North West Counties League side Newcastle Town in a First Round replay.

The home side went into the game with another weakened cup line-up, obviously hopeful that the re-introduction of their young reserve team strike force would fire the goals to take them into the next round of the competition. However, although the ploy recently worked against lower league Brocton in the Walsall Senior Cup, a classy Newcastle Town outfit was a totally different proposition altogether.

Rushall generally gave their North Staffordshire far too much time and space for their supporter’s liking and Newcastle’s slick passing and speed of movement off the ball had their hosts in trouble on numerous occasions throughout the night and only their lack of a finishing touch let them down.

The visitor’s took the lead in the 35th minute, but Olympic had already failed to heed a stark warning a minute earlier when Town’s player-manager and former Birmingham City midfielder Nigel Cleghorn had hit the upright. The crucial goal arrived after an initial snap shot was blocked out, but the follow-up attempt from quicksilver striker Rossalino Martins was clinically dispatched over stranded ‘keeper Ryan Price and into the net from 25 yards.

Despite the set back, Rushall responded positively and on the stroke of half time they were offered a guilt edged opportunity to restore parity when Darren Goodall was recklessly hacked down in full flight and won his side a penalty. Unfortunately Aaron Bishop’s conversion attempt was placed woefully wide of the left-hand upright.

For the remainder of the contest the Dales Lane side huffed and puffed their way to the final whistle, but they rarely looked convincing enough to worry Newcastle’s defence, who well marshalled by impressive skipper John Hiskin and appeared content to take the narrow victory back to Stoke.

However, Rushall still had their chances, both of which came through skipper Darren Simkin whose 69th minute volley from the edge of the area went narrowly wide and his 25 yard free kick 3 minutes from time was curled around the defensive wall but was beaten away by the fine save of Newcastle ‘keeper Richard Froggett.

Alas, on the night, Olympic’s team reshuffle gamble failed to pay off.

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Rushall Olympic recorded a much needed Travel Factory Alliance victory to halt their slide down the table as they overcame both the appalling playing conditions and a hard working Cradley Town outfit to win by two goals to nil.

The match began in steady rainfall and Rushall eventually took the lead in the 29th minute when a move starting from the back ended with striker Neil Kitching turning and firing home a powerful finish from the edge of the box.

Conditions deteriorated during the interval and the second period became a lottery as attempting to play football on the progressively water logging surface was nigh on impossible.

However, despite the visitors adapting much the better to the swamp-like pitch, it was Olympic who grabbed the decisive second goal when on 71 minutes Cradley defender Mitchell Lester could only look on in horror as his attempt to head clear a high ball punted into the danger zone flew backwards past his own 'keeper.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team suffered a First Round exit from the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Trophy with a 5-3 defeat at Oadby Town. Rushall's goals came via a brace from Nathan Smith and a strike from Andy Malcolm.

Rushall Olympic breezed into the Second Round of the Walsall Senior Cup with an experimental line-up that included 4 reserve team players in the starting 11, plus a further 3 on the substitutes bench.

Ultimately, the 2-0 victory over ICIS Combination Premier Division high-flyers Brocton owed much to the goal scoring prowess of youngster Ben Porter who netted a goal in each half to cap a fine individual performance that would have given manager John Allen something to think about.

The blustery weather conditions and a dampened playing surface made good football extremely difficult for both sides, but it was Rushall who appeared far better equipped for the job in hand as they began to exert overall control as the match progressed.

Olympic eased ahead in the 34th minute when coach Steve McCartan showed he had lost none of his ability as his 30 yard cross-field pass set Paul Marshall free down the right flank who made his way to the goal line and delivered an inch perfect centre that Ben Porter rifled home from 15 yards under a strong defensive challenge.

As the game developed Rushall always looked more than likely to extend their lead, but try as they might they could not produce the undoing final ball. However, with the contest moving into the final ten minutes, Brocton’s admirable resistance began to wain, which was signalled when substitute Ryan McCorry’s thunderous 25 yard drive cannoned off the crossbar to relative safety.

With only minutes remaining Olympic finally put the icing on the cake thanks to an opportunistic strike from Ben Porter who cleverly made room for himself 15 yards out on the right side of Brocton’s penalty area and sent in a looping shot that deceived the stopper and dropped into the far side of the goal.

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Rushall Olympic slipped down to 11th place in the Travel Factory Alliance table as they once again dropped further behind the league's current pace setters thanks to an extremely unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Leicestershire high-flyers Quorn.

Defender Rob Vassell was again in the news, for all the wrong reasons, as he notched a 38th minute own goal to add to Tuesday evening's red card at Newcastle.

However, Rushall had otherwise acquitted themselves extremely well at Sutton Park, but alas the luck was to be well and truly on Quorn's side as the three fortuitous points saw them climb up the table into 3rd position.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team went goal crazy at Dales Lane as they hammered Staffordshire County League (North) Division 1 outfit Foley (who hale from the Easton Fenton district of Stoke-on-Trent) 10-0 at Dales Lane to progress into the 2nd Round of the Staffordshire Football Assiciation Challenge Cup. The goals came courtesy of Tobias Salmon (2); Ryan McCorry; Daniel Hemmings; Neil Barnfield; Ben Porter (2); Solomon Grifftihs; Tyrone Barnett and Iain Haywood.

Rushall Olympic somehow battled through for a 1-1 draw in this First Round tie of the Staffordshire Senior Cup at Newcastle Town, despite having to play for more than an hour with just 10 men after Rob Vassell was sent off for swearing - his second dismissal in the space of three games.

Rushall were also left with several major injury concerns after Kirk Maragh and Joe O'Connor were hurt in crunching tackles and Neil Kitching also worryingly pulled up.

10-man Olympic even took the lead just after half-time when Tony Eccleston set up Joe O'Connor who drove home from just inside the box. However, ten minutes later Newcastle were back on level terms when Adam Beasley turned home a cross from the right by Paul Harris.

The Pic's, extremely unhappy about the standard of refereeing during the game, will now request that the Staffordshire FA appoint a different official for the replay that is due to take place at Dales Lane on Tuesday 26th October, 7.45pm.

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Rushall Olympic's youth team were brought back down to earth with a bump as their recent good run of form came to a grinding halt at Dales Lane as Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division high-flyers Tamworth triumphed 6-0. Former Olympic striker James Francis, son of Trevor, was amongst the visitors scorers as the visitors went 4-0 up by the interval. The win saw their Staffordshire rivals go top of the table.

Rushall Olympic turned in an excellent performance at Dales Lane to defeat their local rivals Boldmere St Michaels 5-2 with easily their best attacking display since the opening day of the campaign when they accounted for Oadby Town 5-1 at home.

Rushall reponded positively to manager John Allen reading the riot act to them during the week, following a string of uninsiring performances, and it was certainly a trip back to the good old days as the home strike force ran riot with Neil Kitching and Kirk Maragh bagging a brace apiece and substitute Tony Eccleston netting his first goal for the club.

Olympic opened their account after only 90 seconds when Neil Kitching headed home Darren Goodall's pin-point corner. However they were pegged back midway through the first period when Boldmere's star striker Jimmy Quiggin clinically converted with the home defence waiting for unforthcoming intervention from the referee after skipper Richard Brown was a victim of a blatant foul during the build up.

However, the home side bounced back with a two goal blast in the space of two devasting minutes from the rejuvenated Kirk Maragh who was playing in an unfamiliar wide role. His first goal was a clinically executed 39th minute shot on the run from the edge of the box and his second was even better as he volleyed home from 20 yards after running on to a ball over the top of Boldmere's rearguard.

It got better still for Rushall as they extended their lead within ten minutes of the beginning of the second period thanks to Neil Kitching who headed home Darren Goodall's free-kick at the far post.

However, although the visitors pulled a goal back on 69 minutes through substitute Aaron Roberts, it was Olympic who had the last laugh four minutes later when Tony Eccleston met Kirk Maragh's pin-point cross with a spectacular diving header from 12 yards to seal an emphatic victory.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team continued their good run of form as they leap-frogged ICIS Combination Reserve Division neighbours Boldmere St Michaels in the table by triumphing 3-1 at Church Road.

Rushall Olympic needed extra time and a penalty shoot out to finally overcome the challenge of fellow Travel Factory Alliance strugglers Causeway United as the Dales Lane progressed into the Second Round of the Birmingham Senior Cup.

All the action came late in the game as visitors Causeway took the lead on 78 minutes, only for substitute Darren Goodall to equaliser three minutes later with a 30 yard barn stormer to take the tie into extra time.

Near the end of the first period of over time Rushall lost Rob Vassell following a straight red card and three minutes later, right on the stroke of the half way point, the visitors took full advantage to go ahead for a second time. However, Olynmpic were not finished and with 7 minutes remaining Ron Walker selected the ideal time to net his first goal for the club as he headed Darren Goodall's free-kick powerfully home at the far post to take the game into a penalty shoot-out.

At four each in the penalty competition out both sides missed their fifth and final efforts and in the ensuing sudden death shoot out Rushall skipper Richard Brown confidently powered home what turned out to be the winner as Causeway's Carl Burley could only hit the bar.

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Rushall Olympic's youth team progressed into the Second Round of the Midland Floodlit Youth League Cup as they finally saw off the challenge of Eastern Division outfit Nuneaton Griff 3-2 after extra time at Dales Lane.

Within the space of a week Rushall Olympic have now been unceremoniously dumped out of both the Football Association Challenge Vase and Cup competitions.

Following last weeks disappointment at Buxton, the game at Travel Factory Alliance rivals Coalville Town began in impressive fashion for Olympic as they stormed into the lead after only 65 seconds when Neil Kitching rifled home from 10 yards after the Kirk Maragh's initial snap shot had been parried away by the 'keeper.

Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the visitors and, in what have become extremely familiar circumstances over the past two seasons, Rushall succeeded in turning an extremely promising opening into a lack lustre defeat thanks to a dire second half display.

Coalville were back on level terms early in the second period when Saunders was allowed time and space to convert a right wing cross. However, Olympic had the opportunity to regain the initiative from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaining, but the home 'keeper pulled off an excellent save to deny skipper Richard Brown who could not be faulted for his spot kick.

Typically, within five minutes of the penalty save being made the Leicestershire side were gifted what turned out to be the winning goal as visiting 'keeper Ryan Price made a complete hash of making a standard clearance with the boot and the ball fell to Saunders who netted his brace by firing the ball straight back past the flat footed Rushall stopper from the edge of the box.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team returned to winning ways in the ICIS Combination Reserve Division as they cruised to a 4-1 victory over bottom of the table Gresley Rovers at Dales Lane in a rearranged fixture.

Rushall Olympic were due to take on Travel Factory Alliance rivals Coalville Town in their FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round encounter with another new striker in their squad.

Tony Eccleston has ended his self imposed exile from the Saturday game and has elected to resume his playing career with Rushall Olympic.

He had been absent from this level of non-league football for the past 18 months after helping Stourbridge win the 2002-03 Alliance championship, but had recently featured for Bloxwich Town in the ICIS Combination.

A prolific marksman, who had also plied his trade at Stafford Rangers and Hednesford Town, he initially decided to turn his back on football to concentrate fully on building up his window cleaning business.

However, Olympic boss John Allen confirmed: "Tony didn't want to risk getting injured because it may have prevented him from working. However, he started plating Sunday football and that brought his appetite back for the game. He just happens to live in the same road as my assistant Dave Read and the pair spoke about picking up his career. To be honest, Tony's looking leaner than I've ever seen him before so his fitness might not be too much of a problem. We just need to get some games under his belt."

Welcome to the club Tony!

Meanwhile, the new arrival at Dales Lane has also triggered the departure of fellow striker Leon Mitchell, who has been released.

Unibond League neighbours Willenhall Town look set to be his most likely destination after the Noose Lane side recently put in a seven day notice of approach for the former Tamworth and Hinckley United front runner.

Mitchell arrived at Rushall during August from Solihull Borough and had previously featured for Stratford Town and Halesowen Town.

The Rushall manager confirmed: "We've not played to his strengths and he's not played to ours. Between us it just hasn't worked out for him."

Rushall Olympic's youth team crashed out of the Birmingham County Youth Cup at the first hurdle with a heavy 7-2 defeat by Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division rivals Blackheath Town at Dales Lane.

Rushall Olympic were again out of luck as they were unceremoniously dumped out of the Football Association Challenge Vase for the second consecutive season by Northern Counties East League adversaries Buxton.

Indeed, it was a disappointing day all round for the Walsall side who failed to even trouble the home 'keeper with a single worthwhile effort upon target during the entire 90 minutes.

Fortunately, the Derbyshire outfit were equally as ineffective in front of goal, but they did net the crucial strike on 15 minutes that came in the form of a penalty conversion after Jason Lanns had recklessly hacked down striker Mark Reed. Buxton skipper Darren Brookes calmly stepped up to clinically convert the resulting spot kick by sending 'keeper Ryan Price in the opposite direction.

From that point onward there was no way back for the misfiring Pic's.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team gained a hard fought 2-2 draw at home to second placed Boldmere St Michaels in the first game of Group "B" of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division Challenge Bowl.

Rushall Olympic finally got back to winning ways in the Travel Factory Alliance, but they made extremely hard work of a 3-2 victory over Biddulph Victoria at Dales Lane to claim their first league victory in 6 attempts.

Rushall went behind on 19 minutes thanks to a 40 yard fluke that somehow eluded 'keeper Paul Cooke who was well off his line.

However, Olympic were back on level terms 8 minutes into the second period when Dave Davies rifled home from 12 yards to net his first goal for the club.

Further strikes from substitute Joe O'Connor, midway through the second period, and Aaron Bishop, fifteen minutes from full time, looked to have sewn up the game in clinical fashion.

However, the vistors had not read the script and with nine minutes remaining they were afforded a second goal which meant the final minutes of the contest ran to a nervy conclusion.

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Rushall Olympic progressed into the 2nd Qualifying Round stage of this season's FA Cup thanks to a commanding 2-1 victory over Dr Martens League Western Division side Stourport Swifts.

The Dales Lane side put their poor League form well and truly behind them as they dominated proceedings at Walshes Meadow. Manager John Allen made several changes to his line-up as Willie Dunn, Richard Brown, Jason Lanns and Kirk Maragh made a return to the starting line-up at the expense of Danny Williams, Rob Vassell, Ronnie Walker and Darren Goodall.

Despite being fully in control it took the visitors until the 62nd minute to forge ahead as Neil Kitching netted his first goal for the club since his transfer from Stratford Town by heading home following good work by strike partner Leon Mitchell.

Rushall netted their second goal fifteen minutes from time as skipper Richard Brown signalled his return to the starting 11 after missing 4 games due to holidays by heading home from a free-kick.

As per usual Olympic couldn't help but gift their opponents a late goal in the third minute of injury time, but the result was never in any question as the club swelled their coffers to the tune of £2,250 in addition to the £1,000 already banked for their Preliminary Round victory a fortnight ago.

Rushall Olympic's reserve team suffered their second consecutive defeat of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division campaign as they slumped 5-2 away at Hinckley United.

Rushall Olympic disappointed immensely once again as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Coalville Town, thanks in the main to a now familiar second half collapse.

In similar circumstances to their previous Travel Factory Alliance defeat at Stratford Town back in August, Olympic took an early lead when goal keeper Ryan Price was surprisingly given the duty of converting a 14th minute penalty award.

However, a poor second half display from the visitors allowed the Leicestershire side back into the contest as they drew level just before the hour mark with a penalty conversion of their own and went on to secure the winner with just 2 minutes of the contest remaining.

The defeat saw Rushall slip alarmingly down the table to 11th place and they have now failed to record a single victory in the last 5 league games.

Rushall Olympic's youth team excelled all expectations as they travelled to Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division leaders Stourbridge and came away from Amblecote with an excellent 2-1 victory.

Rushall Olympic travelled to Stourbridge in a Travel Factory Alliance encounter and eventually struggled to leave Amblecote with a 1-1 draw under their belts, as of which they slipped down the table to 9th place.

It was undoubtedly a game of two halves as the first period saw Rushall produce arguably some of their best football of the campaign since the 5-1 thrashing of Oadby Town on the opening day. However, all they had to show for their first 45 minutes of effort was a tremendous 30 yard volley from Aaron Bishop that flew into the bottom right corner of the net just before the quarter of an hour mark.

Unfortunately, Olympic's second half display left a lot to be desired and Stourbridge would probably have considered themselves unfortunate not to have got more than their 82nd minute equalising goal as the second period saw an about turn in the fortunes of both sides.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team suffered their first defeat of the ICIS Combination Reserve Division campaign as they slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against Worcester City.

Rushall Olympic were due to take on Stourbridge in their Travel Factory Alliance encounter with a new striker in their starting line-up.

Neil Kitching this week transferred to Dales Lane from league rivals Stratford Town, whom he had been with since signing from Gresley Rovers back in October 2003. He was notably in the Stratford side who beat Rushall to claim the Polymac Services League Cup back in August.

A prolific goal scorer at higher levels of football, Neil first came to prominence with Tamworth, before going on to have spells with clubs including Paget Rangers, Highgate United, Boldmere St Michaels and Sutton Coldfield Town.

Welcome to the club Neil!

Meanwhile, the club this week also welcomed back left sided utility player Rob Holdcroft who had left Dales Lane during the summer to link back up with former club Wednesfield of the Express & Star League.

Although initially signed as cover, Rob was expected to be named amongst the substitutes at Stourbridge.

Rushall Olympic's youth team celebtrated their first win of the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division season with a 1-0 triumph at newcomers Stapenhill.

Rushall Olympic's Travel Factory Alliance game with Causeway United due to be played at Dales Lane on Tuesday 7th September has been called off. Causeway United are instead in FA Cup replay action at Lincoln Moorlands.

Rushall Olympic moved past the Preliminary Round stage of this seasons FA Cup thanks to a comfortable 3-0 victory over United Counties League Premier Division side Bourne Town.

However, the magnitude of the victory owed much to the timely introduction of Non-League striking legend Joe O'Connor for his Rushall debut as a second half substitute with around 20 minutes remaining.

Rushall had enjoyed an interval lead thanks to a spectacular own goal from defender Neil Timby on 14 minutes who head past his own 'keeper from 12 yards under no pressure at all.

The home side had to wait until the 77th minute to double their advatange, less than 5 minutes after the introduction of Joe O'Connor, who clinically rifled home from 8 yards following a free-kick.

Five minutes later and the former Hednesford hit man cleverly released Ben Smith down the left edge of the penalty whose tantilising low centre across the goal mouth was converted at the back post by Neil Hesson to send the Lincolnshire outfit back home empty handed.

Click here for the match report & team details

Rushall Olympic's reserve team continued to build upon their pleasing start to their ICIS Combination Reserve Division campaign as they gained a hard fought 2-2 draw at early leaders Bromsgrove Rovers.

Rushall Olympic turned in another dour performance as their early season optimism virtually vanished following a poor goalless draw at Oldbury United that served up little excitement for the travelling support.

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Oh how Stratford Town must look forward to playing Rushall Olympic as their tally so far this season against the Dales Lane side now reads one League Cup and three League points.

Having beaten Rushall 3-1 after extra time to retain the Polymac Services League Cup exactly three weeks ago, the Warwickshire side had since gone on to suffer four straight Travel Factory Alliance defeats leaving them propping up the table in last place. However, the form book was predictably turned upside down as the visitors far too easily relinquished their unbeaten start to the Alliance season.

Despite the final result Olympic had taken a 5th minute lead thanks to Leon Mitchell, who netted against one of his former clubs with an easy finish from 6 yards, after keeper Starkey could only parry away Kirk Maragh's low cross.

However, it all went very much pear shaped for the Walsall side during an appauling second period as Stratford equalised just after the hour mark when poor defending down Rushall's left ended with Nicholls rifling an angled drive into the far corner.

It went from bad to worse for the Pic's when with just five minutes remaining Nicholls set up the chance for Packer to score with a clinical finish.

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Rushall Olympic had to wait until the 88th minute to find an equaliser against an impressive young Studley outfit that maintained their unbeaten start to the Travel Factory Alliance campaign.

However, overall it was an extremely disjointed performance from a strangely lacklustre Rushall side who went behind just before the half hour mark as striker Jamie Bailey curled a 20 yard free kick around the defensive wall and into the top left corner.

Olympic had the ball in the net twice in the contest, both ruled out due to technical infringements, but it was third time lucky when with time rapidly running out Darren Goodall's free kick from the left was helped on by Dave Davies and Aaron Bishop was on hand to powerfully head home from 12 yards to gain his side a share of the spoils that their performance barely deserved.

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Rushall Olympic chalked up their third consecutive victory of new the Travel Factory Alliance campaign with a hard fought 2-1 win over a physical Alvechurch outfit at Dales Lane.

Olympic took the lead seven minutes into the second period thanks to a wonderful goal from wing back Danny Williams, his first for the club since his summer arrival. After latching on to an Ian Mitchell pass he cut inside and thumped a tremendous 25 yard effort that smacked off the left hand post and over the goal line.

The vistors dramatically equalised within ten minutes of falling behind when Rushall 'keeper Paul Cooke jumped to claim a high ball but tangled with his own defender and an attacker. Unfortunately as he crashed to the ground injured, he lost possession and the ball fortuitously dropped in front of one of the striker Fitzpatrick who hooked home from close range.

Thankfully, the home side were not shaken by the equalising goal and went on to deservedly regain the lead on 68 minutes as top scorer Kirk Maragh powerfully headed home Ian Mitchell's right wing cross from 12 yards to record his 5th goal in 3 games.

Referee Mr Coward made it a nervy ending for Olympic after he managed to find well over 6 minutes of extremely debatable injury time from somewhere, however with stopper Paul Cooke once again in fine form the home side were rarely in any danger.

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Rushall Olympic's reserve team began their ICIS Combination Reserve Division campaign in style with an excellent 2-0 victory at Leicestershire based Shepshed Dynamo.

Rushall Olympic continued their 100% start to the Travel Factory Alliance campaign as they recorded an extremely hard fought 1-0 victory over an impressive Cradley Town outfit.

With their hosts visibly lifted by their opening day victory at League Cup winners Stratford Town, it took Rushall until four minutes into the second period to finally break down the Black Country sides worthy resiliance.

When the only goal of the game came it was well worth the wait as in-form Kirk Maragh latched on to Willie Dunn's throw-in from the left and Olympic's top scorer netted his fourth goal in two games with a stunning volley from the edge of the box that flew into the top right corner.

Rushall could also have added to their lead with their best opportunity falling to Danny Williams whose back post header from Willie Dunn's free-kick flicked off the crossbar.

However, once again the Pic's were indebted to the outstanding form of goalkeeper Paul Cooke who, along with impressive central defenders Dave Davies and Richard Brown, ensured that Olympic's goal remained unbreached.

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Everyone connected with Rushall Olympic Football Club were today stunned to learn of the sudden and untimely passing of stalwart Committee Member and Life Member FRANK PARKES.

On behalf of the club we would like to take this opportunity to offer our most sincere condolences to Frank's wife Netta, his daughters, grandchildren and all his family and friends for their immense loss.

Frank had been associated with Rushall Olympic for many, many years and was one of lifes true gentlemen who also had an excellent knowledge of the game. He had served in several roles within the club over the years and despite being in his 70's he had most recently taken on the role of Boardroom Host for the new campaign.

Everyone one of us at Rushall Olympic are all left with only the very fondest of memories of Frank and he will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues at Dales Lane.

Rest in peace Frank.

Rushall Olympic's new-look youth team under new management unfortunately began their Midland Floodlit Youth league Western Division campaign with a 4-2 home defeat against Gresley Rovers.

Rushall Olympic turned in a five-star display as they opened up their 2004-05 Travel Factory Alliance campaign with a crushing 5-1 victory over a usually much fancied Oadby Town outfit at Dales Lane.

Star of the show was undoubtedly hat-trick hero Kirk Maragh whose goal scoring prowess earned his side all three points and the early leadership of the table. However, an overall outstanding team performance was the key feature behind this impressive victory.

Kirk Maragh opened his sides account as early as the 13th minute when he capitalised on good work by wing back Danny Williams to slot home from close range. Although Oadby equalised three minutes later, Rushall went into the interval 2-1 ahead thanks to another from the former Sutton Coldfield Town front runner who ran on to Aaron Bishop's lofted pass and slotted home from 12 yards.

The second half was barely two minutes old when Nathan Harvey headed home Steve Shaw's pin-point cross.

The game was sealed with two goals in the space of 60 seconds as Kirk Maragh netted his third in the 71st minute and straight from the kick-off Aaron Bishop powerfully converted Danny Williams' right wing centre at the far post.

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Rushall Olympic manager John Allen completed some last minute transfer dealings prior to his side commencing their Travel Factory Alliance campaign against Oadby Town.

A surprise inclusion in the squad for the opening match against Oadby was the former Tamworth, Hinckley United, Sutton Coldfield Town, Stratford Town and Halesowen Town striker Leon Mitchell, who has returned to Dales Lane after recently leaving Solihull Borough. He previously featured for Olympic between January 1999 and March 2000, prior to taking the step up into Southern league football.

Another high profile addition to the squad has been that of legendary former Hednesford Town striker Joe O'Connor. Although now approaching the tender age of 37, with his goal scoring prowess he will certainly become a key member of the squad as the season progresses. He was most recently player-manager of Ettingshall Holy Trinity, but began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers before going on to have spells with Gornal, Lye Town, Stafford Rangers, Hednesford Town, Nuneaton Borough and Kingstonian. During his career he also won two England Semi-Professional International caps.

Meanwhile, John Allen has finally got his man as he announced the long awaited signing of midfield playmaker and long term target Ronnie Walker, who had spells with both Willenhall Town and Tipton Town last term. A tremendously gifted playmaker with creative vision, excellent distribution and a competitive edge to match, his previous clubs include Wolverhampton United, Worcester City, Malvern Town, Matlock Town, Bilston Community College, Stourbridge, Bloxwich Town, Evesham United, Stafford Rangers, Blakenall, Wednesfield and Bridgnorth Town.

However, as the Rushall manager also looked to trim some sections of his squad down to a more managable number, a surprise departure from Dales Lane has this week has been that of goalkeeper Danny Watson, despite the former Willenhall Town stopper having played in last weeks Polymac Services League Cup Final. Paul Cooke and Ryan Price will now battle it out for the number 1 shirt.

Rushall Olympic's smart new kit that was premiered in the Polymac Service League Cup Final last Saturday against Stratford Town has been totally rejected by the Travel Factory Alliance Management Commitee due to the shirts being "too black".

The Alliance Handbook has the club colours down as "old gold and black", but the powers that be see the new kit more as "black and old gold".

Unfortunately, the club are now out of pocket to the tune of several hundred pounds with a strip they cannot use and will probably have to play in their away kit for the first league game of the campaign on Saturday at home to Oadby Town.

New-look Rushall Olympic were handicapped by some familiar old problems as they stumbled to a 3-1 defeat in extra time against Stratford Town at a sultry Noose Lane in the Polymac Service League Cup Final that was held over from last season.

However, goal scoring prowess apart, the deciding factor in this contest was ultimately match fitness and it was the greater stamina of the Warwickshire side that finally won the day as they netted three extra time goals to Rushall's one to clinch the trophy for the second successive season.

After a goalless 90 minutes that saw both sides spurn golden opportunities to lift the trophy, Stratford took the lead within minutes of the beginning of extra time. However, Richard Brown equalised just before the change around to give his side a reprieve.

Unfortunately, Stratford grabbed two goals in the space of three minutes towards the end of extra time as Rushall ran out of steam. With several members of the Dales Lane side not having even played a full 90 minutes in any of only three warm up games, the writing was always going to be on the wall the longer the game went on.

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A Rushall Olympic XI mainly made up of reserve team players entertained Express & Star League neighbours Walsall Wood in a friendly fixtures and eventually ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.

The first half saw both the Wood and the Pic's hit the woodwork before Rushall midfielder Matt Whitehouse netted with a 25 yard screamer, two minutes before the interval, that flew straight into the top left corner of the net.

Within ten minutes of the restart the visitors were back on level terms when substitute 'keeper Chris Gemmell raced off his line to clear a through ball, but could only slice his clearance to a Walsall Wood player who fired a looping lob straight back over the Rushall custodian's head and into the net from fully 30 yards.

With a quarter of an hour remaining the home side regained the initiative when substitute Solomon Griffiths used all his pace to making a storming run to the left post where he got behind the defence to clinically convert an in swinging cross from close range.

Olympic wrapped the game up with two minutes remaining when good work by Aaron Bishop forced the Wood 'keeper into a save, but as the ball ran loose a Rushall substitute was on hand to stab it over the line from a couple of feet.

Rushall Olympic continued their pre-season campaign by playing out a one-all draw with a young Walsall side at Dales Lane in what was an extremely useful outing for both teams.

Olympic enjoyed the best possible start as they took the lead after just 45 seconds when last season's top scorer Kirk Maragh netted his second goal in three games as he burst through a hesitant Saddler's rear guard to slot clinically home from just inside the penalty area.

Rushall continued to dominate the half, but following the interval manager John Allen swapped things around as he made eight changes, however with the changes went the fluency of his sides football.

Walsall equalised midway through the second period after Dave McDermott was adjudged to have been tripped in the penalty area and the substitute striker dusted himself off to convert the result penalty kick.

However, as the game was played to a conclusion a draw was the fairest result at the end of the day.

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Rushall Olympic were on their travels again for a midweek pre-season friendly at last seasons Travel Factory Alliance champions Rocester.

The Dales Lane side managed to gain some redress for last season's 6-0 thrashing at Rocester's Mill Road ground as they took the Unibond League newcomers all the way with a 1-1 draw, before eventually losing a penalty shoot out as the hosts claimed their very own Supporter's Trophy.

Olympic made all the running throughout the contest and they deservedly opened the scoring five minutes before the interval when former Willenhall Town playmaker Darren Goodall curled a 30 yard beauty into the top left corner to mark his return to Dales Lane.

Rushall always looked the more threatening, but they conceded a harsh equaliser via the penalty spot after an hour of play. Jason Lanns was adjudged to have made ball to hand contact in a defensive wall as a free-kick was driven directly towards the midfielder at head height, who used his arm for protection.

The game was eventually decided at full time through a penalty shoot out that the home side won 4-2.

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Rushall Olympic began their pre-season campaign in low key fashion with a steady run out against Atherstone Town of the ICIS Combination First Division at their Sheepy Road ground, in what was the first ever game of the newly formed Warwickshire club.

The visitors fielded seven of their new signings in the 20-man squad who made the journey down the A5. Pick of the bunch for Rushall was undoubtedly the vastly experienced central defender Ian Mitchell, formerly of Studley, who read the game with great authority as he expertly marshalled the backline to keep the young and talented opposition at bay.

Olympic took the lead in the 25th minute when last season's top scorer Kirk Maragh turned and fired low and hard into the bottom corner of the net from the corner of the eighteen yard box.

The hosts shocked their guests on the stroke of half time when they equalised thanks to some generous defending.

During the second period neither goalkeeper was troubled as each side took the opportunity to make changes.

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Rushall Olympic's Travel Factory Alliance fixtures for August 2004 have now been released and are as follows:

Saturday 7th August..... Stratford Town (League Cup Final), 3.00

@ Willenhall Town, Noose Lane

Saturday 14 August.... OADBY TOWN (H), 3.00

Tuesday 17 August.... Cradley Town (a), 7.45

Saturday 21 August.... ALVECHURCH (H), 3.00

Tuesday 24 August.... STUDLEY (H), 7.45

Saturday 28 August.... Stratford Town (a), 3.00

Monday 30 August.... Oldbury United (a), 3.00

Rushall Olympic's ICIS Combination Reserve Division fixtures for August & September 2004 have now been released and are as follows:

Saturday 21 August.... Shepshed Dynamo (a), 2.45

Saturday 28 August.... OPEN

Saturday 4 September.... Bromsgrove Rovers (a), 2.45

Saturday 11 September.... WORCESTER CITY (H), 2.45

Saturday 18 September.... Hinckley United (a), 2.45

Saturday 25 September.... BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS (H), 2.45

Challenge Trophy 1st Round

Midfield playmaker Darren Goodall has become Rushall Olympic's ninth new face of the summer, but manager John Allen still promised there were more to follow.

The Dales Lane boss has now overseen the biggest influx of playing personnel since he took at the club six years ago and after last seasons campaign of consolidation on a financial basis, in order to fund further ground improvements, he is determined to create a squad capable of challenging for title honours this term.

He recently reflected: "There's no point coming second. We've been runners-up twice and it still hurts. I feel we are putting together a squad to go out and win the league. There's a couple more players I'm keen to add to the squad before I'm satisfied."

Goodall, a former Rushall player under the John Allen regime of season 1998-99, returns to the club after helping Willenhall Town win promotion to the Unibond League First Division as Travel Factory Alliance runners-up. However, his work commitments with the family business have meant that he was unable to remain with the Noose Lane club due to the extra travelling involved in the northern-based league.

Olympic's manager commented about the one-time Halesowen Town player: "Darren is a quality player and we've got the right players around him for him to be a big influence."

Welcome back to the club Darren!

Rushall Olympic's relentless summer recruitment campaign continued this week with manager John Allen admitting that he would have over 30 players on board reporting for the commencement of pre-season training. However, that number will quickly be down-sized to a first team squad of 18 before the season gets under way.

The Dales Lane boss insisted: "All the players I've brought in are under no illusions. We are going all out to win the league this time and there will be casualties along the way. I will have to be ruthless, but I can't get enough good players on board at the moment."

The latest arrivals to check into Dales Lane are striker Marlon Sylvester from Alliance rivals Studley and Stourport Swifts' commanding central defender Dave Davies, who was the Alliance Player of the Year for season 1999-2000 when with Oldbury United. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ryan Price has re-signed for Rushall Olympic after spending last season with Stourport Swifts and Cradley Town. He will compete for the No.1 jersey with existing custodians Paul Cooke, Danny Watson and Chris Gemmell.

John Allen will also have one or two dark horses training with the club during the summer campaign, including Lee Knox, the son of former Blakenall, Bloxwich Town and Evesham United manager Paul Knox.

However, Rushall's manager has still not finished his recruitment drive and he will be looking to tie up deals for another striker and a midfielder in the coming week.

Rushall Olympic recently confirmed that former player Steve Johnson has rejoined the club in the capacity of Goalkeeping Coach after serving in a similar position at Alliance rivals Oldbury United for the last couple of seasons. He replaces Tony Hackett who left the club at the end of last season.

Steve first joined Olympic in October 1998 from Stourbridge after enjoying spells with West Bromwich Albion as a junior, Northfield Town and eventually Oldbury United, where he spent around 12 years before transferring to Blakenall for a undisclosed fee. He was a custodian at Dales Lane for only the 1998-99 season before returing to former club Oldbury United, where he later became a coach upon his playing retirement.

Welcome back to the club Steve!

The club also hope to announce the arrival of a new physiotherapist in due course following defection of former post holders Mick Andrews and Gary McHale to Unibond League newcomers Willenhall Town.

The 124th FA Cup draw was made on Friday 2nd July and this season it had a record number of 661 entries; the previous highest was 656 in 1921/22. Last season there were 644 entries.

Rushall Olympic have been fortunate enough to be drawn at home in the Premlinary Round of the nations favourite competition to Bourne Town of the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division. Last season Bourne finished in 15th place out of 22 teams.

The game will take place at Dales Lane on Saturday 4th September, kick-off 3.00 pm.

The winners of the tie face a visit to either Buxton or Stourport Swifts in the First Qualifying Round that will take place on Saturday 18th September.

The FA Vase is now in its 31st season and has 483 entries, with 43 new Clubs accepted, plus two from The FA Trophy.

Rushall Olympic have received a difficult draw in the Second Qualifying Round of the competition as they face another journey to Buxton of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, the same team who knocked the Pic's out of the competition at the 1st Round stage last term. Last season Buxton finished in 7th place out of 20 teams.

The game will take place at The Silverlands, Buxton on Saturday 25th September, kick-off 3.00 pm.

Rushall Olympic continued to reinforce their ranks this week by bringing experienced Studley player Ian Mitchell and young Willenhall Town striker Jordan Lee to Dales Lane.

With Danny Williams, Mark Beddowes and Willie Dunn already recruited, busy Rushall manager John Allen insts there will be at least two more signings still to come before pre-season training commences on Sunday 4th July.

Ian became Rushall's second signing of the summer from Alliance rivals Studley and is a vastly experienced right sided player capable of filling in at centre half, full back and midfield. His previous clubs include Redditch United, Solihull Borough, Tamworth, Evesham United, Barry Town, Telford United, Banbury United, King's Heath, Willenhall Town, Nuneaton Borough, Highgate United and Moor Green.

Meanwhile, Jordan arrives having featured for both Tipton Town and Willenhall Town last season after first coming to prominence at Bilston Town as a youth team graduate before following manager Joe Jackson to Stourbridge, where he won back-to-back Alliance championships.

Welcome to the Ian and Jordan!

Following his recent signings the Rushall boss claimed: "Without doubt, the aim is to win the title and I believe I've brought together a good blend of youth and experience."

Manager John Allen this week continued his team strengthening with the capture of Studley's versatile midfielder Mark Beddowes, who has also featured for clubs including Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield Town, Oldbury United, Evesham United, Paget Rangers, Bromsgrove Rovers, King's Norton Town and Solihull Borough in recent seasons. Rushall had tried to sign the player back in January 2002 from Midland Combination outfit Burman Hi-Ton, but he opted to join Studley instead. However the Dales Lane manager was clearly delighted at clinching his signature at the second attempt and enthused: "Mark's the type of player I'm looking for. He'll bring a win attitude with him. He's good in defence or midfield, can win possession and pass it."

Meanwhile, the club pulled off another coup as they snapped up the tremendously experienced left sided midfielder Willie Dunn from Stourport Swifts, who has also enjoyed spells Oldbury United, King's Norton Town, Solihull Borough and Northfield Town.

Welcome to the Mark and Willie!

Clearly intent on building a promotion winning side, John Allen is also believed to be in talks with other potential new signings who are thought to include a couple of defenders, another midfielder and two strikers, all of whom have Southern League experience.

Rushall Olympic were extremely proud and delighted to receive the unexpected honour for the Best Programme Award for season 2003-04 at the Travel Factory Alliance's 10th Annual Presentation Evening that took place on Saturday 12th June at Villa Park.

This was the second year in a row that the club had received the honour and it is the first time in the league's history that one club has won the Award on two occasions, let alone in successive years.

As all fellow Programme Editor's realise, the award means a great deal to us and it shows that the many hours of work that are required to produce these labours of love can be well worth it.

I would like to take this opportunity to dedicate the award to our Vice Chairman Gary Cooper whose company WM Print have once again been responsible for publishing the programme for this and many previous seasons. Without their assistance there would certainly be no programme.

Thank you.

Darren Stockall

Rushall Olympic beat off interest from clubs including Dr Martens League outfit Bromsgrove Rovers to confirm their first new summer arrival by clinching the signature of the experienced Danny Williams. The pacy winger or front-runner most recently played for Travel Factory Alliance rivals Stourbridge after initiallly signing for them in December 2001 from Bilston Town, but was forced to miss much of that season through illness. He first came to prominence in his first spell at Bilston and moved on to to play in the Southern League Premier Division for both Stafford Rangers and Worcester City, before returning for a second stint with Bilston. His previous clubs also include Blakenall, North Park, Harrisons, Bloxwich T and Wolverhampton Utd. Welcome to the club Danny! The club expect to announce more new signings in the forthcoming weeks.

Rushall Olympic are in search of new physios and a goalkeeping coach for the 2004-05 campaign after a spate of surprise departures from Dales Lane.

First team Physios Mick Andrews and Gary McHale have both left the club to join newly promoted neighbours Willenhall Town in the Unibond League First Division.

Football Secretary Pete Athersmith commented: "The pair have been with us for three seasons and losing them is a massive blow. Any experienced physios who are interested in the position can call me on 07909 792422."

The club is also on the look out for a goalkeeping coach after the departure of Tony Hackett and again any interested parties should contact Pete Athersmith in the first instance.

Rushall Olympic are still on the look out for a new Chairman to help guide their promotion bid for the 2003-04 season.

After John Allen's decision to step down from the post to concentrate on first team management, the ambitious Dales Lane outfit are appealing for a local businessman to come in and fill the role.

The suitable candidate must have a keen interest in football and be willing to invest in the club as they seek to finally gain promotion from the Travel Factory Alliance.

Anyone interested in taking up the Chairman's position at Rushall Olympic Football Club should call Pete Athersmith on 07909 792422 or contact the club via the web site.

Rushall Olympic recently revealed that for the 2004-05 season the club will probably only be fielding a First Team and a Reserve Team. However, discussions are still under way as to whether a youth team will be based at Dales Lane.

The decision to part company with the Dales Lane Ladies Section and Junior Section was not taken lightly and was finally done so in order that club's efforts, both on and off the field of play, can be put fully into achieving its long term goal of gaining promotion from the Travel Factory Alliance into the higher reaches of non-league football.

The club would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all the personnel associated with the Youth, Ladies and Junior sections for all their tremendous hard work and wish them every success in their future projects.

During Rushall Olympic's Annual Presentation Evening at Dales Lane, club captain Richard Brown was named as "Supporter's Player of the Year".

Richard signed for Rushall in September 2001 and his previous honour with the club was being named as "Player's Player of the Year" for season 2001-02. Usually the first name on every team sheet, he enjoyed an extremely consistent campaign last term and was involved in every single Rushall game be making 55 full appearances and was on the bench on the remaining 4 occasions.

Congratulations Brownie!!!

During Rushall Olympic's Annual Presentation Evening at Dales Lane, midfielder Aaron Bishop was named by his peers as "Player's Player of the Year".

Last season was Aaron's first full season as a member of the first team and he attracted a huge amount of interest from clubs in the higher echelons of football. A player with a tremendous future in the game, he will be an extremely important feature at Dales Lane next season.

Congratulations Bish!!!

An abridged article from the Sporting Star:

Rushall Olympic will unleash up to FIVE new additions when they play their Polymac League Cup Final - despite advertising for a new chairman!

The Travel Factory Alliance side's hopes of picking up the silverware for the second time in three years were washed out on Thursday night when the final against Stratford Town at Willenhall's Noose Lane was called off because of a water-logged pitch. The match has now been re-arranged for Saturday 7th August, kick-off 3.00 pm at the same venue.

By that time, Pic's manager John Allen insists there will be five new signings at Dales Lane, in spite of his decision to stand down as chairman. With Allen throwing his full weight behind masterminding the team, the club are keen to add a new member of their committee. And Allen revealed they are NOT after a 'walking wallet':

"My commitment to Rushall is five nights a week and I'm looking to cut it to four. We're looking for someone to come in and work alongside myself and Gary Cooper, preferably someone local, who will dedicate themselves to the club. Their commitment can be financial, but not necessarily. There are very few people about, but we want someone, preferably local, who can organise the club and take on some of the workload to enhance the future of the club. The lads here are getting older, and we've tried to bring in a more junior committee, but it hasn't worked."

This season Rushall's finances have been ploughed into off-field projects, with £18,000 spent on new dressing rooms without any grant aid.

Allen has vowed there will be five new players which he hopes will form the basis of a title-challenging team.

"We feel battered and bruised after not competing for the title this year, but our main aim is to get into the Dr Martens League and we will have five experienced players here - two strikers, a wide right man, a wide left man and a goalkeeper - to add to the five good, young players already here."