2005-06 News Archive

Rushall Olympic's Second Team stamped their seal of authority on the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division Championship as they romped home to an emphatic 4-0 success at neighbours Chasetown to end the campaign with a magnificent 6-point cushion over nearest rivals Mickleover Sports.

A goalless first period saw the best opportunity arguably fall to the home side when a 20 yard drive heading towards the bottom left corner had to be smartly turned around the upright for a corner kick by Pic's influential stopper Adam Davey. However, despite enjoying the majority of possession Rushall couldn't quite turn their superiority into goals, but a half time pep talk by manager Kevin McCorry certainly appeared to do the trick.

The second half saw the visitor's begin to take the game by the scruff of the neck and on 52 minutes the Champions signalled their intentions when Chris Milliard's corner from the left was headed powerfully goalwards by defender Rory McFarlane towards the top left corner from 12 yards and only a tip over from the Scholars custodian saved the day.

Olympic finally took the lead just before the hour mark when Chris Milliard was scythed down on the left corner of the Chasetown penalty to gain his side a hotly disputed penalty kick that Tobias Salmon drilled to perfection into the top right corner. The opening goal appeared to settle the visitors as they went on to play their trademark fluent passing game with distinction, however they had to wait until the final seven minutes of the contest to finally stamp their authority on proceedings when the Pic's crashed in three dramatic late goals as their hosts ultimately fell apart.

On 83 minutes Rushall started the ball rolling with a wonderfully executed corner as Chris Milliards's out swinging flag kick from the left was flicked on by Neil Barnfield at the corner of the area and top scorer Ahmet Bilgimer made no mistake with a deft close range header. Five minutes later and the trusty left foot of Chris Milliard once again paid dividends when a harmless looking 30 yard free-kick from the right channel was swung into the danger zone and somehow found its way into the back of the Scholars net unaided for Rushall's third goal.

The Pic's ultimately ended the game with a fourth goal flourish when straight from the restart Ahmet Bilgimer picked up possession on the left corner of the Chasetown penalty area and in a swift movement rifled in an unstoppable drive into the bottom right corner to claim his 20th goal of the season.

The final whistle was greeted with scenes of jubilation as Olympic deservedly celebrated their second consecutive Midland Football Combination Reserve Division Championship, but unfortunately the evening was somewhat soured by the fact that the League failed to make the effort to send a representative to award the Trophy on what had otherwise been another night to remember for the Dales Lane faithful.

It's seems to be excellent news for the Second Team as the updated Midland Football Combination Reserve Division from Tuesday 2nd May indicates that the League have awarded both Rushall Olympic and Mickleover Sports 3 points each for their unplayed games against Rugby Town, while the Warwickshire side have been deducted 6 points, in addition to the 6 that had already previously been taken off them for earlier rule infringements.

As a result of the revised table it therefore appears that the Pic's have now successfully retained the Reserve Division Championship for a second successive season as their Derbyshire rivals now trail by 3 points, having statistically fulfilled all 28 games.

Although at the time of writing the Midland Football Combination have made no official contact with Rushall Olympic regarding the issue, they have apparently contacted Chasetown F.C. to seek their permission for conducting the presentation of the Championship trophy at the Scholars' Church Street ground on Thursday 4th May, where the Pic's complete their league programme against Chasetown Reserves, kick-off 7.45 pm.

WHY NOT COME ALONG AND CHEER ON THE PIC'S?

Rushall Olympic's Second Team have all but clinched the 2005-06 Midland Football Combination Reserve Division Championship, despite stuttering to 1-0 defeat at Quorn in a May Day Bank Holiday fixture.

However, fortunately for the Pic's, at the very same time their closest challengers Mickelover Sports went down at Leicestershire outfit Barwell 2-0, which now means that the Dales Lane side could only lose the title on goal difference - although their Derbyshire rivals would have to win their remaining fixture at home to Rugby Town by a result of 30-0!

Rushall play their penultimate league fixture at neighbours Chasetown on Thursday evening, kick-off 7.45 pm, but they are also still scheduled to play Rugby Town at home after the original game was called off Easter Monday due to the Warwickshire outfit not being able to raise a side. At the moment the issue is in the hands of the Midland Football Combination, who could either award 3 points to Olympic or the game may now even not take place at all with the Championship virtually in the bag.

The Pic's ultimate triumph in clinching the title for a second successive season would be nothing short of an astonishing success for manager Kevin McCorry and coach Everton McFarlane, who were forced to totally rebuild last season's team after seeing many of the side depart for Conference North outfit Stafford Rangers during summer last year.

Rushall Olympic relinquished a 3-1 interval lead as Marlow fought back to claim the single point they required to confirm a place in the Southern Football League Division One West promotion play-off zone, but they had to rely extremely heavily on quick-silver striker Jermaine Roche who netted a fine hat-trick.

Rushall endured a nightmare opening when they fell behind after only 3 minutes as Rob Holdcroft's loose pass forward was intercepted in Marlow's half and Roche was sent scampering clear down the right flank before cutting inside and rifling home into the bottom right corner from 18-yards as the home defence retreated.

To their credit Olympic were back on level terms 4 minutes later when a free-kick from the right fell to Ben Porter 15 yards out on the near side of the area who drove the ball clinically into the bottom left corner past the despairing dive of 'keeper Ian MacTaggart. Rushall deservedly took the lead on 18 minutes when Tim Jackson's corner from the right was eventually headed back across goal from the far post by skipper Richard Brown to Leon Allen who let fly with a venomous 10 yard volley.

The Pic's claimed a comfortable two-goal cushion on 35 minutes when Ben Porter was scythed down from behind on the right side of the box to yield a penalty kick that the striker confidently buried into the bottom left corner to send the Marlow stopper the wrong way.

10 minutes into the second period and the visitors reduced the deficit when home 'keeper Chris Gemmell was slow to react as danger man Roche carved his way into the right side of the Rushall box before evading a defensive challenge and slotting home with ease from close range.

Marlow's dramatic comeback was complete 14 minutes from full time as Rushall paid the penalty for needlessly losing possession in midfield, allowing Roche to evade last man Leon Allen before racing clear and slotting consummately home from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner to claim his hat-trick.

The result saw Rushall Olympic ended the season in an excellent 10th position in their Southern Football League debut campaign, finishing ahead of the likes of bigger budgeted Midlands rivals Bromsgrove Rovers and Solihull Borough.

Click here for the match report

Having just received the tremendous boost of beating Coca-Cola Football League Championship outfit Stoke City to claim the prestigious Staffordshire Senior Cup for the very first time in their history, Rushall Olympic are now turning their attentions to the 2006-07 campaign and beyond.

With the spiraling costs involved of competing in Southern League Football the ambitious Dales Lane outfit are once again appealing for local businessmen with a keen interest in grass roots football who would be willing to invest in the club as it also looks towards a potential future away from its present Dales Lane ground in a bid to progress higher in football's non-league pyramid.

With Manager John Allen having just ensured that for the seventh successive season under his tenure the Pic's have won a piece of silverware, the club feels that the time is now right to build upon its present achievements - but this can only be achieved through the provision of additional finances.

Any individuals interested in assisting the club should in the first instance either call Club Secretary Pete Athersmith on 07909 792422 or contact the club via the link on the web site.

Rushall Olympic created a marvellous piece of club history at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium as the Pic's won the Staffordshire Senior Cup for the first time ever as they made their Final debut against the Coca-Cola Football League Championship host club and claimed a stunning 1-0 victory.

Hero of the hour for Rushall was striker Neil Kitching who, three minutes before the interval, received the ball near the the left side of the penalty area close to the goal line and instinctively half turned to hook a looping effort that deflected over the Potter's 'keeper and crept over the goal line at the far post as the stopper attempted to scramble away the danger.

Stoke attempted to throw everything they had at Olympic during the second period, but an outstanding all-round team performance won the day for the Pic's as they claimed the counties premium cup competition to make it a night that will never be forgotten for all concerned. Indeed, the marvellous success was most importantly a terrific Birthday present for Manager John Allen who ensured that for the seventh successive season under his tenure the Dales Lane outfit had accumulated a piece of silverware.

From the supporters of Rushall Olympic we would like to offer our most sincere congratulations and thanks to the Dales Lane players and management team who made such a wonderful evening possible.

Click here for the match report & exclusive pictures from COLIN BROWN

Rushall Olympic suffered the embarrassment of a 3-1 defeat at relegated Thame United in front of the Southern Football League Division One West's lowest attendance of the season as a paltry 42 paying spectators turned up to watch the Oxfordshire side grab two goals in the final two minutes to claim a 3-1 victory.

With the Pic's being forced to play the meaningless league game and then the high profile Staffordshire Senior Cup Final against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on successive evenings, something was bound to give as Thame took the lead on the half hour mark through Lane.

Rushall thought they had salvaged a point on 86 minutes when Assistant Manager Steve McCartan got on the score sheet, but the visitor's reputation for shipping last minute goals went before them as the home side's Hamilton netted in the 88th and 90th minutes to secure only Thame's 3rd win of the campaign.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic's Second Team were forced to come back from behind as they netted a dramatic equaliser ten minutes before then end of their Midland Football Combination Reserve Division clash with neighbours Chasetown at Dales Lane.

It was certainly a game of two halves where Chasetown made most of the running during the first period before the roles were arguably reversed following the interval.

The visitors took the lead on 70 minutes when on the counter attack a front runner found himself one-on-one with 'keeper Adam Davey who did well to block an eventual snap shot, but unfortunately the ball span off his gloves and into the net.

It appeared increasingly unlikely that Rushall would salvage anything from the game until Danny Hemmings took up possession on the right side of the penalty area and unleashed a viciously curling drive that beat the Chasetown stopper in flight and rocketed into the top left corner.

The final 1-1 result meant that the Pic's still require 4 points from their final 3 league games to retake the Championship for certain, with Mickleover Sports now appearing to be their main rivals in the title race.

Rushall Olympic ended their home programme in the in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division as they lost 2-1 to Himley Athletic.

Any Rushall Olympic supporters wishing to make the relatively short journey up the M6 to cheer on the Pic's, as they make their Staffordshire Senior Cup Final debut against Stoke City at The Britannia Stadium, may like to note that a FREE club coach will be departing Dales Lane at 4.00 pm on Wednesday afternoon with a limited number of seats available on a first come, first served basis.

For further details please contact Pete Athersmith on 07909 792 422.

If any supporters are travelling independently by car the following details the route to the Britannia Stadium:

Take the M6 exiting at junction 15, then take the A500 to Stoke-on-Trent, at the first exit take the A34 to Stone, follow signs for Trentham, at the next roundabout turn left onto Trentham Road (A5035) stay on this road till you reach the junction with Stanley Matthews Way.

The Staffordshire Football Association Senior Cup Final between Southern Football League Division One West RUSHALL OLYMPIC and Coca-Cola Football League Championship outfit STOKE CITY will take place on WEDNESDAY 26TH APRIL, kick-off 7.45 pm, at The Potters' own Britannia Stadium.

In what has become a nightmare situation for Rushall Olympic, unfortunately they will also have to travel to face Thame United in a Southern Football League Division One West fixture on Tuesday 25th April, kick-off 8.00 pm. Meanwhile, the Second Team will also be in action on the same evening at home to Chasetown, kick-off 7.45 pm. Thus the opportunity to mix and match or even rest players prior to the Final will simply not be there for the Pic's in what should be the highlight of their season.

Discussions had earlier taken place in an attempt to re-schedule the date of the Final, but obviously the availability of the Britannia Stadium was then called into question, although the Vale Park home of Coca-Cola Football League One side Port Vale was considered as an alternative.

Rushall Olympic booked a Staffordshire Senior Cup Final berth along side Coca-Cola Football League Championship outfit Stoke City after handing out a 4-goal thumping to neighbours Chasetown who were arguably far more concerned with clinching the Harvey World Travel Midland Football Alliance title.

The Southern Football League Division One West outfit enjoyed the perfect start after on 7 minutes when midfielder Leon Allen powered through the centre and unleashed a venomous 35-yard volley that flew over stranded stopper Simon Bryan to give his side a spectacular lead.

As the first period progressed the visitors were becoming evermore dominant and in the closing minutes of the half the Chasetown custodian was twice forced to save his colleagues as he kept out Ben Porter's close range header and John Quilt's rasping 30-yard free kick.

Olympic deservedly doubled their advantage on 56 minutes when Tim Jackson set up Rob Holdcroft who cut inside and fired home an unstoppable 25-yard scorcher into the bottom right corner, while three minutes later it got worse for the Scholars as they went down to 10-men after Andy Turner was shown the red card for an unclear infringement.

On 73 minutes the Pic's took full advantage and were three goals to the good when Neil Barnfield latched on to a loose ball 12-yards out and coolly fired home into the bottom left corner, while nine minutes from time the impressive Rob Holdcroft rattled Chasetown's crossbar with a 30-yard howitzer that beat the home 'keeper all ends up.

Rushall ended the game with a fourth goal flourish in the 87th minute when an excellent run and centre from substitute Tyrone Barnett down the right flank picked out the unmarked Tim Jackson on the far post who took one touch and rifled home into the bottom left corner from 12 yards.

The visitor's Marcus Jackson was also denied on the goal line with a last ditch defensive challenge to prevent goal number five, but there was little doubt that the Pic's Southern League class had shone through to reward the Dales Lane side with their first ever Staffordshire Senior Cup Final appearance that will be at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Click here for the match report & exclusive pictures from Chasetown F.C. Photographer DAVE BIRT

Rushall Olympic's Second Team missed out on taking a step closer to clinching the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division Championship as they lost their unbeaten home league record to a resurgent Oadby Town outfit who themselves moved up to third place in the table following the 2-0 success.

However, the Pic's are still very much in the driving seat and still require 5 points from their final 4 league games to retake the title.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team are on the verge of a second successive Midland Combination Reserve Division Championship after defeating arch rivals Hinckley United 2-1 at a rain soddened Dales Lane to go a resounding 10 points clear at the top of the table.

An opener from 18-goal top scorer Ahmet Bilgimer and a second from Tobias Salmon sealed the crucial 3 points that means the Pic's now require 5 points from their final 5 league games to retake the title, which would be nothing short of an astonishing success for manager Kevin McCorry who was forced to totally rebuild last season's team after seeing many of his side depart for Conference North outfit Stafford Rangers during summer last year.

Rushall's ninth consecutive league success mean that they remain unbeaten on home turf and also gained ample redress for being knocked out of the Challenge Bowl competition at the Semi-Final stage by three goals to one at the home of the Leicestershire outfit last weekend.

It was typical end of season fare from Rushall Olympic and Willenhall Town in a dreadfully poor game between neighbouring sides who were both still harbouring feint hopes of a Southern Football League Division One West promotion play-off place - at least until the final whistle sounded, which itself was certainly a relief to the watching spectators.

During the first period there was little to write home about, although the Pic's arguably shaded the goal scoring opportunity count as Jordan Lee's 4th minute lob almost got the better of 'keeper Ryan Young and the same player was denied again on 20 minutes when a clever flick on from Tim Jackson's centre had to be smartly parried away.

Midway through the first half and Rushall's John Quilt connected with Marcus Jackson's corner kick and looped a header on to the top netting, while at the other end Matt Biddle had earlier fired shy of the top left corner from 25 yards and a minute before the break Mark Briggs' speculative looping volley from the left edge of the box flew wide of the far post.

The second period proved to be a slightly better spectacle and on the hour mark Willenhall could have opened the scoring when Nick Hegarty found himself in acres of space on the right but side footed well wide of the target from just inside the box.

Five minutes later and Olympic had the ball in the back of the net when Troy Douglin headed over the home defence following a free-kick, but as substitute Ben Porter nodded home past Ryan Young from close range the effort was ruled out for off-side.

With 13 minutes remaining the Reds should have sealed all three points when a break down the right ended with the ball being squared to the unmarked Nick Hegarty who somehow managed to screw an effort well wide of the right post from the edge of the box with a virtual open goal at his mercy.

In the closing minutes home skipper Mark Swann let fly from 20 yards, but his drive rose marginally over, while at the other end excellent work by Marcus Jackson saw the wing back shimmy his way to the bi-line and centre, but with the Rushall forwards closing in 'keeper Ryan Young produced a telling touch to divert the ball to safety.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team's Easter Monday encounter with Rugby Town at Dales Lane was called due to the Warwickshire side being unable to raise a side.

Rushall Olympic completed an excellent double over Birmingham neighbours Solihull Borough, but they left it late to power home three goals in the space of 9 second half minutes just prior to the final five minutes of a pulsating encounter.

Rushall were largely forced to play second fiddle to a resurgent Solihull during the first period who appeared hell bent on gaining redress for their four goal pummelling on home turf back in early March. However, despite the Pic's being on the back foot for long periods they still had the best opportunities with Neil Barnfield and Simon Truman both being denied by 'keeper Shaun Hayes, while at the other end danger man Justin Marsden was a constant menace to the home side.

A 74th minute substitution with Tyrone Barnett replacing Neil Kitching appeared to be the turning point for Olympic when within two minutes Ross Collins blatantly handled a ball played in from the left side of the area and referee Mr. Attwell had no alternative but to point to the penalty spot. Despite a fair amount of gamesmanship going on Ben Porter kept his nerve superbly and buried the resulting kick into the top right corner to give his side a priceless advantage.

Six minutes from full time and with Solihull pushing evermore forward in search of an equaliser, gaping holes began to open in their back line that Rushall ultimately exploited to the full when a long ball was partially cleared only as far as substitute John Quilt on the left edge of the of the box and took one touch before firing a vicious left footed drive into the bottom right corner.

Straight from the restart and Rushall were immediately back on the offensive as another telling through ball sent Ben Porter racing clear who allowed the ball to take one bounce before looking up and sending a lethal effort crashing into the bottom corner past shell shocked stopper Shaun Hayes.

With the game approaching injury time Borough were gifted a mere consolation goal when Danny Hall's in swinging corner from the right appeared to elude everyone including 'keeper Chris Gemmell and looped into the net via Craig Dutton who appeared to make the final contact. However, Olympic's excellent unbeaten run had been stretched to 15 games.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic's Second Team's dress rehersal for the all-important Midland Football Combination Reserve Division title clash with second placed Hinckley United on Thursday 20th April at Dales Lane failed to go according to plan as the Pic's found themselves knocked out of the Challenge Bowl competition at the Semi-Final stage by three goals to one at the home of their arch rivals.

Hinckley United now face Leicestershire rivals Oadby Town in the Final that is due to be played at Topps Park, Wigston, Road, Oadby on Monday 8th May.

Rushall Olympic entertained fellow strugglers Stourbridge at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division but slumped to a 2-0 defeat that meant they have now failed to win on home turf for 7 matches and have recorded only 1 victory in 15 league games.

The U-18's remained rooted in last-but-one position with 2 league games to go and can only hope of ending the season one place higher should an additional 3 points and favourable goal difference been gained.

Rushall Olympic travel to near neighbours WILLENHALL TOWN in a much awaited Southern Football League Division One West fixture on Monday 17th April in a traditional Easter Bank Holiday fixture.

Please be aware that the kick-off time has now definitely be confirmed as 3.00 pm and is not an evening kick-off, which has been stated on the league web site.

Please come along and cheer on the Pic's.

Rushall Olympic found themselves embroiled in a real dog-fight of a game where hosts Bracknell Town needed to battle for the points to steer clear of the relegation zone, while the visitors required a victory to keep their faint hopes of a promotion play-off place alive.

There was little for the neutral spectator to admire as both teams appeared to struggle and cancelled each other out with some dogged defending, but it was the Berkshire side who came closest to opening their account when Griffin tested 'keeper Chris Gemmell with a stinging drive from the edge of the box that went straight into the stopper hands.

Although both sides had a couple of further half chances it was Olympic who eventually broke the deadlock on the half hour mark, with what turned out to be the only goal of the game, when a corner from the right by Tim Jackson to the far post was powerfully headed home by skipper Richard Brown, who celebrated his 250th full appearance for the club.

The second half was much the same as the first, but Rushall should have increased their lead on 60 minutes when Ben Porter beat the offside trap and went one-on-one with the home 'keeper, but the strikers eventual shot sailed way over the top. During the final half hour the Pic's had a couple of further opportunities to increase their advantage, but although their finishing was somewhat wayward Rushall's marvellous unbeaten run had been stretched to 14 games.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic's Second Team ended an excellent goal laden week of football with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Derbyshire outfit Mickleover Sports at Dales Lane as they stretched their lead at the top of the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division to a commanding 7 points over second placed Hinckley United, who were surprisingly beaten on home turf by lowly Loughborough Dynamo.

It took Rushall just 8 minutes to stamp their authority on proceedings as the ever lively Ahmet Bilgimer neatly carved his way into the visitors penalty area and despite coming under a heavy defensive challenge, that could have warranted a penalty, he kept his balance and slotted confidently home past the advancing 'keeper.

In the 18th minute Olympic's custodian Adam Davey showed exactly why the home side had managed to keep three previous consecutive clean sheets as he pulled off an excellent save to spectacular tip over a full backs curling drive from the left corner of the 18-yard box that had been heading ominously for the top right corner of goal.

Three minutes later and at the other end Rushall's Adam Whitehead was a whisker away from doubling his sides advantage when his vicious first time shot from the right side of the area skimmed off the bar from an acute angle and ricocheted away to safety.

A period of sustained pressure from the Pic's immediately prior to the interval effectively sealed all three points for the Dales Lane side as they netted two goals in the space of just two minutes. On 42 minutes Daniel Hemmings' 25 yard free-kick headed towards the bottom left corner of the goal, but was spilled by the Mickleover 'keeper and wide man Andy Malcolm reacted quickest to steer the ball home from close range. However, better was to come within two minutes as Rushall claimed an extremely useful three-goal cushion when a defensive mix-up let in Adam Whitehead who forced the ball past the custodian and rolled it home into an unguarded net.

The game was effectively wrapped up by the home side on the hour mark when with the blustery condictions and the Dales Lane slope firmly in his favour central defender Craig Milligan cleverly spotted the Mickleover 'keeper way off his line and launched a high ball from the midfield zone that took one bounce near the edge of the box and looped over the stranded stopper, who was by that time furiously back pedalling, into the empty net.

Olympic safely controlled the remainder of the game that ended in a hefty hail storm and down pour as they remained unbeaten at home in the league this season, having won the last 8 games and extended their current unbeaten to 14 games.

The Pic's now face arch rivals Hinckley United at Dales Lane on Tuesday 11th April knowing that 11 points from their final 6 games will see them retain the league title.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team went 4 points clear at the top of the Midland Combination Reserve Division tables as they reeled off their seventh successive victory by crushing Leicestershire outfit Shepshed Dynamo 7-0 at Dales Lane.

Braces from top scorer Ahmet Bilgimer and Joe O'Connor led the way, while further strikes came from Simon Truman, Danny Hemmings and Chris Milliard.

Having now won their last 6 games on home turf to maintain an unbeaten home record, the Pic's have taken 37 points from a possible 39 on offer in the last 13 undefeated league games and currently find themselves 4 points clear of former leaders Hinckley United. days later.

With the Staffordshire Football Association hearing well and truly out of the way and Rushall Olympic overwhelmingly cleared of any wrong doing in terms of player eligibility in the Quarter-Final victory over Unibond League Premier Division strugglers Leek Town, the stage is now set for the long awaited Semi-Final tie at Harvey World Travel Alliance neighbours CHASETOWN.

The date for the game has now been set for SATURDAY 22ND APRIL at the Church Street home of the Scholars, kick-off 3.00 pm, as both sides have unusually found themselves with a free Saturday slot at a relatively hectic time of the season.

The eventual winners of the tie can then look forward to a place in the Final with Stoke City of the Coca-Cola Football League Championship at their Britannia Stadium.

However, the only fly in the ointment at present is that the Final had been scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26th April, but it is already known that Rushall Olympic will be travelling to face Thame United in a Southern Football League Division One West fixture on Tuesday 25th April, while it is also known that Chasetown are involved in league action with Racing Club Warwick on the very same evening ast the Final, thus making it practically impossible for the Final to go ahead on the due date.

Discussions are to take place in an attempt to re-schedule the date of the Final, but obviously the availability of the Britannia Stadium may then be called into question. However, should the venue become a problem then it is envisaged that the Vale Park home of Coca-Cola Football League One side Port Vale may be considered as an alternative.

As predicted, Rushall Olympic were fully exonerated of any wrong doing at a Staffordshire Football Association hearing on Monday 3rd April after being falsely accused by Leek Town of fielding three ineligible players in February's Staffordshire Senior Cup Quarter-Final tie at Harrison Park, which Rushall won 2-1.

Olympic had provided the Staffordshire Football Association with the necessary proof that all 15 of their players used on the night were registered with the club before the original tie was due to be played back in November.

Indeed, on the night of the hearing the North Staffordshire sides case was ultimately thrown out by the Staffordshire Football Association with the firm belief being that there was no case to answer in the first place.

The appeal by the Unibond Premier Division strugglers meant that Olympic had been unable to arrange their Semi-Final clash at Travel Factory Alliance neighbours Chasetown until after the hearing. The date of the tie has yet to be scheduled, but the eventual victors can look forward to a mouth watering Final against Stoke City.

Rushall Olympic entertained second placed neighbours Boldmere St Michaels at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division and claimed an excellent 1-1 draw.

Rushall Olympic proved they were no April fools as they extended their highly impressive unbeaten run to 13 games as they dented 8th placed Leighton Town's promotion play-off hopes by inflicting a hard fought 2-1 defeat on their Bedfordshire guests at a wind swept Dales Lane.

Rushall enjoyed the perfect start to proceedings when with only 7 minutes on the watch Tim Jackson's free-kick from deep on the right flank was looped into the danger zone before taking one bounce and flashing over the goal line at the far post with striker John Quilt lurking ominously attempting to head the ball home from close range.

Olympic almost repeated the dose on 26 minutes when the wing back's free-kick was this time powerfully headed on to the crossbar by central defender Troy Douglin from 10 yards.

Although the Pic's were well worth their slender advantage at the interval, the second period signalled Leighton's turn to put their hosts under the cosh as the wind assisted Dales Lane slope began to work portentously in their favour.

However, after home 'keeper Chris Gemmell had worked tirelessly to thwart Town's advances, a momentary lapse of concentration in the 73rd minute proved highly costly when an opportunistic long range volley from attacker Chris Johnson on the right side of the box slipped through the custodians grasp on the goal line and dropped into the back of the net.

Within a minute Rushall's retort was a 30 yard Simon Truman free-kick that was spectacularly tipped on to the intersection of the right hand woodwork by Leighton stopper Lee Clark, but he was powerlessly to prevent the home side from clinching all three points with 9 minutes remaining when another exceptional set piece by Tim Jackson from the right flank was swung into the penalty where Troy Douglin rose majestically above the visitor's defence to power home a match winning header from 10 yards.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic's Second Team reeled off their sixth successive victory in the Midland Combination Reserve Division as they coasted to a 3-0 victory at neighbours Boldmere St Michaels and leaped to the top of the league table for the first time since clinching the Championship last season.

The Pic's three goals came from Ahmet Bilgimer, Joe O'Connor and Jamie Lake.

Unbeaten at home, the Pic's have now taken 34 points from a possible 36 on offer in the last 12 undefeated league games and now find themselves a point clear of former leaders Hinckley United with a game in hand.

The crunch game still appears to be on Tuesday 11th April when the Pic's entertain their Leicestershire rivals at Dales Lane, kick-off 7.45 pm as well as also facing the same opposition in the Semi-Final of the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division Challenge Bowl away from home 4 days later.

Lucky Bromsgrove Rovers had Gloucester official Mr O'Sullivan and a Rushall Olympic own goal to thank for salvaging a last ditch point Dales Lane after the match between the mid-table rivals had eventually progressed to an implausible 7th minute of stoppage time.

The Pic's dominated the opening half but the only reward for their hard work was a brilliant 37th minute opener from striker Neil Kitching who with his back to goal latched on to a flick on from 'keeper Chris Gemmell's clearance and in one flowing movement turned and fired an unstoppable volley into the top right corner from fully 25 yards.

During the second period, with the wind and slope, in their favour the visitors began to turn the pressure up on the home defence, who stood valiantly firm against a succession of corner kicks. However, Olympic had their moments and on 87 minutes they should have sealed all three points when substitute Jordan Lee broke down the left before cutting in and squaring the ball to the unmarked Leon Allen who blasted wide of a virtual open goal from 15 yards.

However, as Bromsgrove poured desperately forward in search of an increasingly unlikely leveller, a high ball punted into the danger zone was missed by stopper Chris Gemmell, who was crowded out by a ruck of players, and in the ensuing goal mouth scramble a Rushall defender unfortunately prodded the ball over his own line whilst attempting to make a clearance.

The former Conference outfit were bizarrely ecstatic to claim a point off their humble village side hosts at the final whistle, but they couldn't deny Rushall from extending their excellent unbeaten run to a dozen games.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic's Second Team reeled off their fifth successive victory in the Midland Combination Reserve Division as they coasted to a 3-0 victory at Leicestershire outfit Barwell.

Olympic's three goals came from Dave Read, Ahmet Bilgimer and Anthony Juxon.

The Pic's have now taken 31 points from a possible 33 on offer in the last 11 unbeaten league games after their latest success saw the Dales Lane side leap up to 2nd place in the table.

Unbeaten at home in the league, Rushall are now just two points behind leaders Hinckley United with two games in hand.

Rushall Olympic recently confirmed that they fully expect to be given the green light to continue their Staffordshire Senior Cup quest at a county FA hearing next week after the Dales Lane side were accused by Leek Town of fielding three ineligible players in last month's Quarter-Final tie at Harrison Park, which Rushall won 2-1.

Rushall have already made contact with the Staffordshire Football Association in a bid to prove that all 15 of their players used on the night were registered with the club before the original tie was due to be played back in November 2005.

The appeal by the Unibond Premier Division strugglers had meant that Olympic had been unable to arrange their Semi-Final clash at Travel Factory Alliance neighbours Chasetown until after the hearing on Monday 3rd April.

However, in a strange twist of fate it has since emerged that the North Staffordshire outfit have themselves become embroiled in a player eligibility issue of their very own and Rushall boss John Allen insisted it was Leek who actually fielded an ineligible player in the last eight clash themselves and recently stated: "An appeal was registered that we played three ineligible players in that match, but that's not the case and the three players in question were all registered in time for the first game. We have the paperwork to prove that and the Staffordshire FA have the paperwork to prove it, but the appeal still has to be heard. We did ask before the game if we might be able to play Jordan Lee, who was not registered before the first scheduled game, because of our lack of players. We were told that if it was necessary then we could, but as it happened I decided not to risk it and didn't name him in my squad. But in fact Leek played a lad called Ryan Brown despite not having international clearance from the Scottish FA. They have been fined for playing him in a number of games when he was ineligible, including our cup tie. So they actually played an ineligible player and we have no case to answer."

Rushall Olympic are still looking seriously at moving away from their current ground, in a bid to develop better community facilities, as the current site in Dales Lane cannot be developed any further due to mineshafts.

The issue has left manager John Allen in a stalemate with Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council over the future of the club and the Dales Lane boss recently confirmed: "We contacted the local authority about filling in the mines but they said they can't because of the financial implications. That is why I have now suggested looking at moving the club so we can develop proper facilities for the community, which will be even more important if Rushall Community College closes."

Indeed, it is the college's site that the club would ideally like to move to should the school close, as has been proposed and the Pic's manager continued: "Keeping the club in Rushall is absolutely essential. It must provide everything the community requires."

However, concentrating on meeting the needs of the local community will also open up the potential for much larger funding streams for the club, beyond the £150,000 maximum that it could currently accept to improve the present facilities at Dales Lane.

With a view to making significant progress in the near future John Allen concluded: "I have been in touch with someone for help in putting together a bid and the aim is that by summer this year we will have a plan."

Meanwhile, the local authority have also obviously given thought to the club's pleas and last week a spokesperson confirmed: "There have been discussions about Rushall Olympic Football Club and a possible stewardship agreement for them to use Rushall Playing Fields. These negotiations are continuing."

However, although the Playing Fields would certainly be a return to the roots of the Pic's when they were formed in 1951, the club's preferred option for a new home would be at Rushall Community College, if it closes, or even next to Walsall Football Club's training facility at Aldridge Airport.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team, the Midland Combination Reserve Division reigning champions, reiterated their title intentions for this term with an excellent 3-1 victory over tough 6th placed newcomers Mickleover Sports in Derbyshire.

Olympic's three goals came from Simon Truman, Tyrone Barnett and Chris Milliard.

The Pic's victory was ample revenge for their Challenge Trophy exit at Dales Lane back in January and the result maintained their 4th place in the table, 4 points behind leaders Hinckley United with two games in hand.

"HELP US GET A NEW GROUND SAY PIC'S"

Rushall Olympic Football Club want help finding a new ground to breathe new life into their community.

They want to move as their current Dales Lane home would cost millions to redevelop due to mineshafts beneath it. They want Walsall Council to help its £1.5 million bid for a new site.

It would reverse a trend of village closures, which may include Rushall Community College if a consultation to shut the secondary school gets the go-ahead.

Olympic manager John Allen said: "We have been in talks with Walsall Council for a long time without seeing any progress. It is disappointing because there is definitely a need for more community based projects within Rushall."

The club believes a new home could be found at Rushall Community College if it closes, or next to Walsall Football Club's training facility at Aldridge Airport.

It would apply for grants from the Football Trust and the National Lottery for the £1.5 million investment. They would then approach private investors to develop surrounding land, which could see the arrival of new leisure facilities including a gym or swimming pool.

Ward councillor Rachel Walker today said she would liaise between the club and the council.

Report Courtesy of the Express & Star

Rushall Olympic Rushall Olympic bravely wrestled tenth position back off a hard working and well drilled young Burnham outfit at Dales Lane after coming from behind to clinch a convincing 3-1 victory that extended their unbeaten run in the Southern Football League Division One West to 11 games.

The visitors began in dominant fashion and had the Pic's firmly on the back foot on 15 minutes when an up and under from the left flank dropped nicely to the feet of the unmarked Rob Saunders who ran into even more space to fire unhindered past the helpless Chris Gemmell from 10 yards.

Disjointed Rushall could have fallen further behind as they were forced to play second fiddle for prolonged periods, however on the stroke of half time they secured a priceless equaliser when a free-kick was curled in from the left by Tim Jackson and as the ball flashed invitingly across the face of goal Neil Kitching got the final touch to prod home from 6 yards.

Olympic enjoyed an excellent start to the second period when on 51 minutes Ben Porter drifted past his marker, but when an initial snap shot was repelled the ball eventually fell to the feet of Neil Barnfield who rifled home into the bottom left corner from the edge of the box.

The home side wrapped up all three points to complete the double over the Buckinghamshire side with 6 minutes remaining when a surging run down the right flank from the ever dangerous Marcus Jackson saw the wing back cut into the box and was unceremoniously sent sprawling by a mistimed challenge. From the resulting penalty kick Ben Porter stepped up and coolly wrong footed the Burnham custodian to confidently slot the ball to Jamie Jackson's left.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic entertain Southern Football League Division One West rivals Burnham at Dales Lane as the Pic's look to extend their 10-match unbeaten run.

Manager John Allen has been forced into making at least a couple of enforced changes from the side who bravely fought out a 3-3 draw at leaders Clevedon Town last weekend after influential utility man Richard Gardner sustained a groin injury that looks set to rule the former Sutton Coldfield Town man out for the rest of ther season.

Meanwhile, with striker Neil Kitching also struggling to shake off an niggling injury, Olympic are set to give a debut to powerful centre forward John Quilt who as expected this week completed his transfer from neighbours Willenhall Town.

Following unsubstantiated accusations from Leek Town that their opponents Rushall Olympic fielded up to three ineligible players in last months Staffordshire Football Association Quarter Final tie at Harrison Park, a hearing date has now been set for Monday 3rd April to resolve the dispute.

Rushall Olympic Football Club have stated out in the strongest possible terms that every single one of the their 11 starting players and 4 named substitutes were definitely registered by the 12 noon deadline on Friday 4 November 2005 and were duly eligible to feature in the game on Tuesday 28th February.

However, in a twist of fate it has emerged that following recent disclosures the North Staffordshire outfit have themselves become embroiled in a player eligibility issue of their very own.

The Semi-Final tie away at Harvey World Travel Alliance title-chasers Chasetown will now obviously not take place until the issue has been resolved.

Rushall Olympic showed the tremendous progress they have made during the past three months as they fought Southern Football League Division One West leaders Clevedon Town every inch of the way to take the lead three times in this incredible contest, only to see a deserved victory snatched from their grasp deep into injury time.

The Pic's went into arguably their sternest test of the campaign so far undefeated in the previous 9 games and were quickly on the offensive against the North Somerset table-toppers who were riding high on the back of an 8 game winning streak.

With just five minutes gone Clevedon stopper Ray Johnston took two attempts to keep out a rasping drive from Neil Kitching, while five minute later the Rushall striker skilfully turned his marker and crashed in another pile driver, but once more the custodian was equal to the challenge and pushed the effort away.

Neil Kitching was then denied by the crossbar as he met a well flighted corner with a powerful header, but there was nothing to prevent the visitors from deservedly breaking the deadlock just after the half hour mark when Ben Porter was brought down on the edge of the box and the target man fired the free-kick into the bottom left corner.

Clevedon were back on level terms, under somewhat controversial circumstances, after the match official had somehow managed to find six minutes injury time from the first period of play and as Olympic 'keeper Chris Gemmell blocked an initial Tom Jacobs shot, Pete Sheppherd was on hand to rifle home the loose ball into the net.

The second period saw Rushall begin strongly once again and they went back in front for a second time on 54 minutes when Leon Allen fired home through a ruck of players to net his second goal in successive games. However, on this occasion the lead lasted barely six minutes as Steve Lester's header made it two-all.

Olympic again showed why they were the form team of the division, second only to their high-flying opponents, as they regained the lead for the third time of asking on 69 minutes when substitute Tyrone Barnett deftly glanced in a header at the near post after connecting with a Marcus Jackson cross.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the Seasiders were not about to relinquish their 8-match unbeaten run without a fight and they once again left it extremely late to restore parity when in the fifth minute of stoppage time Craig Loxton's shot squeezed inside the near post to give the leaders a fortunate draw.

Click here for the match report

Click here for the Clevedon view & photos

Rushall Olympic's Second Team, the Midland Combination Reserve Division reigning champions, showed that they were not about to give up their title without a fight as they handed out a five-goal beating to leaders Bromsgrove Rovers at Dales Lane without reply.

The Pic's five goals came from a Jamie Lake hat-trick and further strikes by Craig Milligan and Ahmet Bilgimer.

The result maintained the Pic's 4th place in the table, 5 points behind the Worcestershire side with a mighty 6 games in hand. Olympic's other main rivals in 2nd placed Hinckley United are now just 4 points in front with Rushall having a game in hand.

Rushall Olympic will be looking to test themselves at Southern Football League Division One West leaders Clevedon Town on Saturday 11th March as they aim to keep their 9 game unbeaten run going.

Any Pic's supporters wishing to make the long trip down the M5 to the North Somerset coast may like to note that a FREE club coach will be departing Dales Lane at 10.00 am on Saturday morning with a limited number of seats available on a first come, first served basis.

The coach will be calling in at the Bradley Stoke Public House off Junction 16 of the M5 for pre-match refreshments.

For further details please contact Pete Athersmith on 07909 792 422.

Clevedon Town Secretary Steve Batt has also kindly informed us that anyone who is making the journey individually should be aware of potential travel delays on the M5. Extensive roadworks are currently in progress between Junctions 17 and 19 of the M5, with a contraflow traffic system in place. Delays have been forecasted and you should take this into consideration when planning journeys. The contraflow will be in operation for several months.

In an attempt to promote more local interest Rushall Olympic are pleased to announce that for the remaining 5 First Team home games of the 2005-06 season they will be offering FREE ADMISSION to the U-12's if they are accompanied by an Adult.

The fixture list for First Team games at Dales Lane are as follows:

Saturday 18 March: BURNHAM

Saturday 25 March: BROMSGROVE ROVERS

Saturday 01 April: LEIGHTON TOWN

Saturday 15 April: SOLIHULL BOROUGH

Saturday 29 April: MARLOW

Rushall Olympic claimed their fourth consecutive away victory in the Southern Football League Division One West as they romped home to an emphatic 4-0 success at Solihull Borough to gazump their Midland rivals into 10th place in the table and extended their unbeaten run to 9 games.

Rushall deservedly took the lead midway through the first period when Chris Gemmell launched a clearance out of his hands that evaded the home defence and bounced invitingly into the path of Ben Porter who expertly lobbed the ball over 'keeper Shaun Hayes in no mans land from the edge of the box.

Olympic upped the ante during the second period, but after spurning several relatively simplistic opportunities to extend their advantage a spectacular 73rd minute strike from Leon Allen set the visitors firmly on the road to victory when a partial corner clearance was viciously lashed home from fully 25 yards.

The second goal signalled the opening of the floodgates and four minutes later it was three for the Pic's when central defender Troy Douglin continued his remarkable goal scoring run as he out jumped the Solihull custodian to power home a close range header from an in-swinging corner to claim his fourth goal in four games.

The rout was complete five minutes from full time when the ever-dangerous Marcus Jackson continued the tormentment of his former employers as the wing back broke forward down the right flank and squared to substitute Jordan Lee who with his first touch clinically slotted home from 12 yards to complete an excellent afternoon for the league newcomers.

Click here for the match report

Rushall Olympic's Second Team's home game with Shepshed Dynamo was called off following a morning inspection due to it being frozen.

According to the Leek Town Fans Forum entitled "Hoof", a Mr Mike Cope has posted a statement that the North Staffordshire club have lodged an appeal with the Staffordshire Football Association after they alleged that "checks" revealed their opponents Rushall Olympic MAY have fielded up to three ineligible players in last Tuesday's Quarter Final tie at Harrison Park.

Rushall Olympic Football Club would like to point out to those responsible for the comments in the strongest possible terms that ALL of the 11 starting players and ALL of the 4 substitutes named on the evening of the game were DEFINITELY registered by 12 noon on Friday 4 November 2005 and were certainly eligible to play in the game on Tuesday 28th February. Indeed, copies of all player registration forms will be quite willingly made available to those interested parties should the need arise as Rushall Olympic have absolutely nothing to hide.

It may interest the individuals making these accusations that in line with rules governing the playing strength of competing clubs in the competition Rushall Olympic, who were at the time shorn of the services of several eligible players, did make an entirely valid request to the Staffordshire Football Association in order to complete their substitute bench line up with striker Jordan Lee, who had been signed shortly after the cut-off date for player registration. The only stipulation by the Staffordshire Football Association was that the player concerned should not be used unless absolutely necessary.

Although Rushall Olympic's request was granted by the Staffordshire Football Association under the competition rules, manager John Allen ultimately decided that it would only be fair to Leek Town and their manager Mark Cartwright, who was equally bound by the eligibility rules of the competition, to categorically decline the option of including Jordan Lee on the substitutes bench. This is why Rushall Olympic named only 4 substitutes on the evening.

We hope the above information clarifies the situation for those concerned.