Rushall Olympic made it nine wins from nine on home turf this season as they claimed the scalp of a young West Bromwich Albion side to progress into the Quarter-Final's of the Birmingham Senior Cup thanks to a 1-0 victory.

The only goal of the tie came in the fifth minute when Lee Gough's storming run into the right corner of the Baggies box was unceremoniously ended with a clumsy challenge that yielded a penalty kick in the Pics favour. Gary Birch was the man given the responsibility from the 12-yard mark and consummately dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner, sending his adversary the wrong way.

Olympic were adamant they were denied a perfectly legitimate second goal with 25 minutes remaining when during a goalmouth scramble Richard Brown's initial close range drive bobbled around and appeared to be eventually prodded over the goal line by a good margin. However, the assistant referee failed to acknowledge the incident and play continued.

Don't forget that Rushall Olympic entertain WEST BROMWICH ALBION in Round 2 of the Birmingham Football Association Senior Cup competition at Dales Lane on Wednesday 31 October, kick-off 7.45 pm.

The Baggies second string coach Craig Shakespeare is expected to field strong side and First Team Manager Tony Mowbray has also indicated that he will be in attendance to run the rule over those players on the periphery of his squad.

Rushall Olympic's Football Association Challenge Cup Fourth Round Qualifying 6-0 defeat at the hands of Blue Square Premier outfit York City is now available to watch in highlight form on YouTube.

Supporters brave enough to view the highlights should click the following link:

Rushall Olympic's epic Football Association Challenge Cup adventure ended in disappointment in front of 1,630 spectators at York City's Kit-Kat Crescent Ground as the full-time Blue Square Premier outfit netted five goals in a disastrous final 2o minute spell to sentence the village side from Walsall to a crushing 6-0 defeat.

Despite the final score line Olympic gave a good account of themselves during the first period, but City danger man Onome Sodje proved to be the telling difference between the two sides when he opened his account for York on 19 minutes by creating the space required to calmly rifle past 'keeper Tony Breeden from 12 yards.

Although Rushall started the second period brightly enough, they soon felt the full force of the Minstemen. On 71 minutes Sodje effectively wrapped the game up for the hosts to claim a brace from 25 yards, while six minutes later substitute Craig Farrell fired across Tony Breeden into the bottom left corner from outside the box for York's third.

A second from Farrell soon followed on 85 minutes, before three minutes later the substitute completed an incredible quick-fire 10 minute hat-trick. The treble merely added insult to injury to a clearly deflated Pics outfit, but worse was to follow when a sixth well into injury time from fellow substitute Nicky Wroe ended the game with a flourish for York City who breezed into the First Round Proper without having to break into a sweat.

Supporters wishing to hear highlights of the BBC Radio York commentary from the game should click the following link:

Rushall Olympic's Second Team were celebrating after recording the first victory of their Midland Football Combination Reserve Division campaign at the seventh attempt by securing an excellent 2-1 success at Dales Lane against high-flying Derbyshire outfit Mickleover Sports.

James Groves opened the Pics account midway through the first period by rounding the 'keeper with an assured finished, before the visitors restored parity from the penalty spot during the second period. However, Olympic were not to be denied and eight minutes from time Martyn Edmunds headed home the winner from a corner kick.

Rushall Olympic will become the centre of attention tomorrow evening at around 6.30 pm when the media descend upon Dales Lane to highlight the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands clubs Football Association Challenge Cup Fourth Round Qualifying tie at York City on Saturday afternoon.

It is believed that a representation from the Football Association will be attendance, with the Pics being their featured club of the round, while crews from Sky Sports News and Midlands Today will also be filming Olympic in training for the weekend big match.

Interviews will be conducted with acting chairman John Allen and manager Paul Holleran, amongst others, while one other extra special guest at Dales Lane tomorrow night will be Aston Villa and England defender Zat Knight who has promised to return to his former club to lend some support on the eve of arguably the biggest game in the history of the village's football club.

Rushall Olympic's reward for seeing off the challenge of UniBond League Division One North promotion chasers Mossley AFC will be a home tie against the Lilywhites' league rivals and Lancashire neighbours CLITHEROE in the Second Round Qualifying stage of the Football Association Challenge Trophy.

The Blues duly beat fellow UniBond League Division One North outfit Lancaster City 2-1 in a First Round Qualifying replay at their Giant Axe ground tonight.

The Second Round Qualifying tie will take place at Dales Lane on Saturday 3 November 2007, kick-off 3.00 pm and will be the Pics eighth successive game in cup action since the beginning of October.

The two clubs have faced each other before, back in February 2001 in the Fifth Round of the Football Association Challenge Vase at Clitheroe's Shawbridge ground - with the tie remaining firmly in the memory of Pics supporters. Following a wasted journey to Lancashire on Saturday 10 February 2001, with the game being postponed just before kick-off due to an unplayable pitch, the tie was finally completed the following weekend with the Blues running out 3-1 winners. However, there was the little matter of a perfectly legitimate Pics goal that was disallowed by a linesman despite the ball appearing to travel a good yard over the goal line at a crucial time that rankled somewhat!

Rushall Olympic will entertain WEST BROMWICH ALBION in Round 2 of the Birmingham Football Association Senior Cup competition on Wednesday 31 October, kick-off 7.45 pm.

The game has been put back by 24 hours from the Pics usual midweek football night of Tuesday, thus allowing the Baggies to now be able to field a much stronger side for selection by reserve team boss Craig Shakespeare.

In the previous round our Black Country neighbours required extra-time to account for Midland Football Alliance outfit Tipton Town by two goals to one at the Tipton Sports Academy in Wednesbury Oak Road in front of 337 paying specatators to finally secure their safe passage to Dales Lane.

Rushall Olympic Football Club will be operating two coaches for Saturday's Football Association Challenge Cup Fourth Round Qualifying tie at Blue Square Premier outfit York City.

The first coach will be taken up by players and officials, while the second has been provided for supporters wishing to travel to the game.

Seats are still available on a strictly first come, first served basis and are priced at £10.00 each. Seat bookings will need to be made in advance of the day through Ray Barrow.

The coaches will depart Dales Lane at 9.00 am prompt on Saturday morning and will be stopping off during the journey so the players may partake of a pre-match meal. Supporter's wishing to book a meal are welcome to do so, but again should contact Ray Barrow in the first instance.

Rushall Olympic sealed their third consecutive cup victory and clean sheet against UniBond League opposition in the space of just seven days as a Sean Dowdall goal was enough to see the Pics progress into the Second Round Qualifying stage of the Football Association Challenge Trophy at the expense of Division One North promotion chasers Mossley.

On this occasion the Dales Lane side at times rode their luck, but the crucial goal arrived with 15 minutes remaining when a telling ball down the right channel sent Damien Charie racing clear and his low pin-point centre was swept home at the near post by Olympic's top scorer.

Other than that chances were rather at a premium, although Neil Barnfield had come closest to scoring for the visitors on 71 minutes when his rising drive cannoned off the crossbar from 20 yards after a making a fine run through the centre. Prior to that Rushall had survived a 37th minute let off when nobody was able to get a touch on an inviting ball into the box, while six minutes into the second period 'keeper Tony Breeden dropped a cross, but with an untended goal at his mercy Paul Garvey fired high over the crossbar when well placed.

The two-game mini revival of Rushall Olympic's Second Team was blown away at Dales Lane with an emphatic 5-0 defeat by title chasing neighbours Boldmere St Michaels in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division.

Rushall Olympic supporters should note that the following arrangements will apply for our forthcoming Football Association Challenge Cup Fourth Round Qualifying tie with York City at their Kit Kat Crescent home. The information has kindly been provided by Minstermen Club Secretary Nick Bassett.

Away Supporters: Seating is reserved for away supporters in Popular Stand Section U (Capacity 300) and there will also be standing behind the Grosvenor Road goal (capacity 2,700). Admission will by via payment on the day at the turnstiles. Away supporters should access the ground via the Grosvenor Road turnstiles numbers 16-19.

Admission Charges: Popular Stand Seating - Adults @ £11.00 and Juniors Under 16/OAP Over 65 @ £7.00 Grosvenor Road Standing - Adults @ £10 and Juniors Under 16/OAP Over 65 @ £6.00

Match Day Programme: £2.50 each

Disabled Facilities: A limited number of spaces to accommodate wheelchairs exist. Every effort will be made to satisfy requirements providing prior arrangements are made through our office on 0870 777 1922.

Parking: We are unable to offer coach parking for supporters. Due to the restricted parking areas within the vicinity of the ground York City are unable to guarantee parking for the team coach. The nearest car park is situated in Clarence Street, approximately half a mile from the ground.

For additional information please feel free to visit the York City website: CLICK HERE

Rushall Olympic willheaded to the Manchester area without the influential strike duo of Gary Birch and Paul Szewczyk for tomorrow's FA Trophy First Round Qualifying tie at UniBond League Division One North outfit Mossley.

The former Hednesford Town marksman suffered a fresh knee injury during the first period of the FA Cup Third Round Qualifying game against his former employers after only just returing to action a couple of weeks ago following a six-month lay-off. Now the 26-year-old is booked for an appointment with a consultant to see if he needs a clean-up operation in the wake of his knee locking during a challenge.

After receiving the news manager Paul Holleran was in a reflective mood and admitted: "This injury has knocked him back a bit. During the rehab his consultant felt he might need a wash out. This is the first little niggle he's had for six months there is still a chance he could be fit for the FA Cup at York next week."

Meanwhile, it looks as though Gary Birch may have played his last game for the Pic's after being recalled by his parent club AFC Telford United. The former Walsall hit man will be back in the fold for the Buck's trip to Harrogate tommorrow - chiefly because boss Rob Smith does not want him Trophy-tied. The Shropshire outfit enter the competition themselves in the Third Round Qualifying stage on Saturday 24 November and Smith believes that the front runner could have a part to play so would not be allowed to play in Rushall's FA Trophy clash at Mossley. Speaking today the manager stated: "He won't be with Rushall this weekend, so he'll be travelling on the coach to Harrogate with us. We don't enter the Trophy until the end of next month, and I'd expect him to be involved with us regularly by then so I don't want him trophy-tied.He's done well at Rushall and there's never been any doubt abut his ability, but he still has to lose the weight. The way we play we demand our strikers work very hard so he has to get fit."

Following his side's FA Cup exploits Paul Holleran obviously wanted the Pics to keep their momentum going at Mossley, but may also have to do without midfielder Grant Beckett in his squad who is doubtful after sustaining a dead leg.

Rushall Olympic's opponents in Round 2 of the Birmingham Football Association Senior Cup competition will be West Bromwich Albion after the Baggies required Stefan Morrison's extra-time strike to see off the challenge Midland Football Alliance outfit Tipton Town by a margin of 2-1 at the Tipton Sports Academy in Wednesbury Oak Road in front of 337 paying specatators to finally secure their passage.

Craig Shakespeare's young reserve side will now visit Dales Lane on a date yet to be arranged, although the Conference date for the game to be played is set by the County Association as being on or before Saturday 24 November 2007.

Rushall Olympic's excellent run in the Football Association Challenge Cup and also their recent Trophy progression has meant that four games in the British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands were in need of re-arranging.

The game at home to Chesham United will now take place at Dales LAne on Tuesday 6 November, kick-off 7.45 pm, while the fixture at Rothwell Town will be on Tuesday 20 November, kick-off 7.45 pm.

Meanwhile, the games against Leighton Town (away) and Cinderford Town (away) have yet to be rescheduled by the home clubs.

Rushall Olympic breezed into Round 2 of the Staffordshire Senior Challenge Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 victory at North Staffordshire outfit Leek Town to claim their second scalp in the space of just over three days against UniBond League Premier Division opposition.

A much changed Pic's side, with their mind also on Saturday's important Football Association Trophy First Round Qualifying tie at Division One North Mossley AFC, coasted into a commanding two goal interval lead with two strikes in the space of seven minutes.

Phil Rowe gave Rushall the lead on 32 minutes, while fellow midfielder Rob Holdcroft doubled his side's advantage six minutes before the break with a 30-yard howitzer.

Gary Birch's 58th minute penalty for the visitors sealed Olympic's place in the next round of the competition where the prospect of a re-match with neighbours Hednesford Town at Dales Lane could be on the cards, should they overcome the threat of Midland Football Alliance side Rocester.

Rushall Olympic's Football Association Challenge Cup Fourth Round Qualifying opponents YORK CITY will not be taking their guests lightly on Saturday 27 October when the Pics take a step into the unknown at the KitKat Crescent home of the former Football League side and current Blue Square Premier club.

According to the York Press on-line newspaper manager Billy McEwan will be seeing Rushall for himself this coming Saturday when the Pics head for UniBond League Division One North outfit Mossley AFC in the Football Association Challenge Trophy First Round Qualifying.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team recorded their first victory of the campaign with a hard fought 1-0 success at Dales Lane over near neighbours Walsall Wood to move into the Second Round of the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division Challenge Cup competition. A first half header from Martyn Edmunds was enough to see the young Pics progress.

Express & Star video journalist Andy Toft was at Dales Lane on Saturday afternoon to provide highlights of Rushall Olympic's memorable F.A. Cup Third Round Qualifying victory against neighbours Hednesford Town. CLICK THE LINK OPPOSITE TO VIEW IT.

Rushall Olympic have a massive hill to climb if they are to re-write the clubs history books once again to progress into the First Round Proper of the Football Association Challenge Cup sponsored by E.ON following the draw for the Fourth Round Qualifying stage at Soho Square today.

The Pics were the 24th name out of the hat and were given the unenviable task of travelling to the KitKat Crescent home of former Football League side and current Blue Square Premier club YORK CITY on Saturday 27 October 2007, kick-off 3.00 pm.

Meanwhile, Rushall looked enviously on as league rivals Evesham United received a plumb home tie against another former Football League side Halifax Town, while Chasetown play host to Blue Square North side Nuneaton Borough, which is guaranteed to attract another bumper crowd at The Scholars.

The 32 Fourth Round Qualifying ties are as follows: 1. Evesham United v Halifax Town, 2. Corby Town v Droylsden, 3. Kendal Town v Altrincham, 4. Rushden & Diamonds v Solihull Moors, 5. Burton Albion v Tamworth, 6. Histon v West Auckland Town or Bamber Bridge, 7. Stafford Rangers v Cambridge United, 8. Southport v Northwich Victoria, 9. Farsley Celtic v Barrow, 10. Bradford (Park Avenue) v Gainsborough Trinity, 11. Workington v Boston United, 12. York City v Rushall Olympic, 13. Kidderminster Harriers v Vauxhall Motors, 14. Harrogate Railway v Harrogate Town, 15. Chasetown v Nuneaton Borough, 16. Weymouth v Hitchin Town, 17. AFC Hornchurch v Team Bath, 18. Maidenhead United v Hayes & Yeading United, 19. Salisbury City v Stevenage Borough, 20. Merthyr Tydfil v Oxford United, 21. Hampton & Richmond Borough v Wealdstone, 22. Bath City v Torquay United, 23. Crawley Town v Aldershot Town, 24. Chippenham Town v AFC Wimbledon or Horsham, 25. Eastleigh v Forest Green Rovers, 26. Eastbourne Borough v Bromley, 27. Ware v Tonbridge Angels, 28. Folkestone Invicta v Heybridge Swifts or Billericay Town, 29. Grays Athletic v Lewes, 30. Woking v Staines Town, 31. Ebbsfleet United v Exeter City, 32. Havant & Waterlooville v Leighton Town.

Following the weekend programme the Minstermen occupied only 18th place in the Blue Square Premier standings but on current form had lost only once in the last six games and boast an extremely healthy average attendance of 2,215.

City are managed by Billy McEwan who was previously a coach at Derby County for a number of years, but whose first coaching appointment was with Sheffield United, before later taking over as Manager and then moving to Rotherham United in a similar capacity. He guided the Millers to the Fourth Division championship in 1988/89 and later had spells as manager at Darlington and assistant at Scarborough. In his first season with the Yorkies he guided them to safety in the Conference, while in 2005-06 he lifted the club to 8th place, followed by reaching promotion play-off’s last term – winning "Manager of the Month" award for both August. and April.

Rushall Olympic progressed into the Fourth Round Qualifying stage of the F.A. Challenge Cup for the first time in their history after claiming the prize scalp of UniBond League Premier Division neighbours Hednesford Town by two goals to nil at Dales Lane.

In front of the Pics largest crowd for many a season the home side enjoyed the best possible start to the tie with only 6 minutes gone when Gary Birch's initial drive was well blocked by a reflex save from 'keeper Rene Gilmartin, before the stopper parried away the follow up effort from Rushall's target man. However as play continued the former Walsall striker, on loan from AFC Telford United, stole a march on his marker to surge into the periphery of the area and lashed a vicious low drive into the bottom right corner.

Although the home side continued to press home their advantage, striker Tom Ward should have done better on 19 minutes for the Pitmen as he headed a free-kick wide of the left post when well placed.

Olympic suffered a blow six minutes before the break when they lost front runner Paul Szewczyk with a reoccurrence of a knee injury and was replaced by Sean Dowdall.

A minute later Hednesford were almost back on level terms courtesy of an own goal when Lee Barrow's spectacular diving header had to be saved at full stretch by the excellent Tony Breeden.

Although the visitors were enjoying the higher proportion of possession, it was the Pics who were the more dangerous on the attack and just after the hour mark Rene Gilmartin saved well with his legs to deny Sean Dowdall, while Neil Barnfield's 70th minute drive went wide from close range after being put in by the front runner.

Rushall wondered just how they failed to claim a second goal on 76 minutes when Richard Beale's downward header bounced over the woodwork from 8 yards out after connecting with a fine centre from Gary Birch. Straight to the other end and a spectacular tip over from Tony Breeden diverted Ashley Woolliscroft's vicious 25 yard drive for a corner kick.

With six minutes remaining Olympic effectively booked their place in the draw for the next round when Lee Gough did exceptionally well down the right flank before whipping a fine centre into the feet of Sean Dowdall at the near post who finished with great aplomb to send the crowd into a frenzy.

In addition to live match coverage by BBC Radio W.M., the Express & Star are also due to be in attendance at Dales Lane tomorrow afternoon to provide video highlights of Rushall Olympic's F.A. Cup Third Round Qualifying tie with Hednesford Town for the on-line version of their newspaper.

Rushall Olympic’s Youth Team suffered a 7-0 mauling at Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division high-flyers Oldbury Athletic.

With England and Estonia in action at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon and the whole of the professional game coming to a standstill for the 3.00 pm kick-off - our own co-current F.A. Cup Third Round Qualifying tie with Hednesford Town has unexpectedly resulted in an exclusive first for Rushall Olympic Football Club and local non-league football in general.

Saturday afternoon will see Dales Lane hold centre stage for the BBC Radio W.M. live commentary game on "The Match" with exclusive build-up from 2.00 pm onwards!

A top secret phone call to our Football Secretary Peter Athersmith began the ball rolling on Monday and Paul Holleran's live link-up with Tony Butler on his Monday night Football Phone in at 7.45 pm ultimately brought the excellent news into the public domain.

Commentary on the game will be provided by the top duo of Paul Franks and Mark Regan and our most sincere thanks obviously go to the powers that be at BBC Radio W.M. for sanctioning such an innovative idea.

So remember even if you're at the game, be sure to tune in on either 95.6 FM or on DAB Digital Radio for live and exclusive match commentary from BBC Radio W.M.

Admission to the game will be the 2007-08 standard Dales Lqne charge of £6.00 for adults and £3.00 for concessions, while as per usual the matchday programme will be available priced £1.50.

With Sean Dowdall struggling back from injury and Paul Szewczyk still regaining his match fitness, manager Paul Holleran succeeded in securing the services of AFC Telford United striker GARY BIRCH for a second month on loan from the Blue Square North high-flyers.

The former Walsall and Lincoln City hit man proved himself to be a class act for the Pics in a six game spell that ended against Bishops Cleeve just over a week ago and yielded four goals, including a hat-trick against Atherstone Town in the F.A. Cup.

He returned to Telford last weekend and played the full 90 minutes in the reserves' 5-0 defeat at home to Tamworth on Monday evening. However, he will now return to the Pics for another four weeks - starting with Saturday's F.A. Cup Third Round Qualifying clash with Hednesford Town.

The Bucks assistant manager Larry Chambers stated: "He's going to go back there for another 28 days, but we'll have a 24-hour recall. The problem if he stayed with us now is that he would probably be on the bench and that wouldn't do him any favours. We haven't got a game on Saturday and they have, so he might as well go and get a as much football as he can.

Rushall Olympic's fringe players once more demonstrated exactly why they are no substitute for the real thing as a much changed Pics side with the F.A. Cup clearly on their mind went tumbling out of the Walsall Senior Cup against lower league opposition for the seventh time in the last eight seasons.

On this occasion nearest neighbours Pelsall Villa were the thoroughly deserving victors whose own high tempo game clearly upset their badly out of sorts guests to claim a memorable 3-1 victory at The Bush for a side sitting two levels below their lofty opponents in the non-league pyramid.

Rushall began on the rocky road to ruin when Rob Holdcroft's error of judgement gave away possession on 28 minutes, directly leading to Neil Grainger's 30 yard wonder goal that was rifled into the top left corner, leaving 'keeper Mark Gayle grasping at thin air.

However, Olympic were back on level terms within 7 minutes when Paul Szewczyk made it three goals in two games with a clinical 15 yard strike after being picked out by Rob Holdcroft, who made up for his previous faux-par.

Immediately following the commencement of the second period Karl Johnson conceded a corner when better options were available and Rushall were ruthlessly punished as a result when Neil Grainger converted his second from close range at the near post as the rearguard stood and watched.

A series of opportunities were created and spurned by the increasingly misfiring visitors, with chief culprit being Damien Charie against his former colleagues. It was therefore of little surprise when Pelsall ultimately cemented their passage into the next round when another corner from the left with 20 minutes remaining was poorly defended and the unmarked Paul Miller gleefully rifled home from just inside the box.

At extremely short notice today, Rushall Olympic Manager Paul Holleran has agreed to feature on BBC Radio W.M. TONIGHT in The Tony Butler Football Phone-in as special guests via a telephone link-up.

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

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

Rushall Olympic rattled off their seventh consecutive victory from seven games on home turf this season as a goal in each half from Paul Szewczyk on his full debut sealed the Pics passage into the next phase of the F.A. Trophy against an unfortunate Carlton Town outfit who deserved at least a replay.

In an instantly forgettable first period the home side captured a crucial lead four minutes before the interval when Damien Charie threaded through a delightful pass into the feet of Paul Szewczyk who turned his marker to perfection before progressing inside the periphery of the box and clinically drilling the ball past 'keeper Steve Brearley.

During the second period the Nottinghamshire visitors began to ask telling questions of their hosts, particularly down the left flank and it was no surprise when they restored parity eight minutes after the break. Although the goal appeared to have a hint of offside about it, a harmless looking ball played to the left by-line was driven in low by Dave Jephson that took a wicked deflection and flew past 'keeper Tony Breeden.

Rushall's Damien Charie had the ball in the back of the net midway through the second half as Carlton's stopper spilled Lee Barrow's 18 yard free-kick, but despite the attacker running from an on side position the assistant referee inconceivably raised his flag.

The winning goal arrived 11 minutes from full time when a surging run by Lee Gough saw the wing back carve his way past two defenders before cutting into the box to pick out Paul Szewczyk who held the ball up well 15 yards out and consummately rifled home to claim a well taken brace.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team halted a run of five consecutive defeats in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division to claim their first point of the campaign with a creditable 1-1 draw at mid-table Gresley Rovers.

Rushall Olympic manager Paul Holleran has a trio of fitness doubts for tomorrows crucial FA Trophy Preliminary Round tie at home to UniBond League Division One South opponents Carlton. Top scorer Sean Dowdall (thigh), wing back Lee Gough (groin) and midfielder Grant Beckett (calf) are all doubts for the Trophy clash after being substituted on Tuesday evening during the fine 3-1 victory over Bishops Cleeve at Dales Lane.

The Dales Lane boss is no doubt as to how difficult the cup games is likely to be against the Nottinghamshire opposition and stated: "We know it's going to be a tough game."

Rushall Olympic’s Youth Team were dumped out of the Midland Floodlit Youth League Cup at the first hurdle following a 2-0 reversal at Eastern Division newcomers Dosthill Colts.

Rushall Olympic's reward for beating fellow British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands outfit Sutton Coldfield Town will be another home tie, this time against UniBond Football League Premier neighbours HEDNESFORD TOWN in the Third Round Qualifying stage of the Football Association Challenge Cup competition sponsored by E.ON. The Pitmen duly beat Blue Square North outfit Alfreton Town 2-1 in tonights Second Round Qualifying replay in Derbyshire.

The tie will take place at Dales Lane on Saturday 13 October 2007, kick-off 3.00 pm.

Note: Attempts were made to either change the kick-off time or date in order to prevent a clash with the England versus Estonia UEFA European Championship Qualifier at Wembley Stadium that will take place simultaneously. Rushall Olympic offered Hednesford Town the opportunity of a Friday night or Saturday lunchtime kick-off, but unfortunately our guests were unable to comply with our formal request to make alternative arrangements.

Rushall Olympic rattled off their sixth successive league and cup victory from the six games at Dales Lane this term with an extremely hard fought 3-1 success against British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands form side Bishops Cleeve who had themselves won the last three games league without conceding.

Rushall were a goal up with less than two minutes on the watch as Richard Beale's in-swinging corner from the right went directly in off the back post, but the Gloucestershire visitors restored parity on the quarter hour mark with a powerful finish from top scorer Kevin Slack.

The home side edged back in front nine minutes before the interval with a bullet-like strike from Sean Dowdall, before the pièce de résistance was applied by on-loan Gary Birch in his farewell game for the Pics by whipping in a peach of a curling shot into the bottom right corner from the opposite corner of the box.

Rushall Olympic marched proudly into the next phase of the F.A. Cup at the expense of highly fancied British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands rivals Sutton Coldfield Town with an tremendous 2-0 victory at Dales Lane, where two goals in the final 6 minutes of the first period proved to be the defining moments of a pulsating contest.

Rushall took the lead on 39 minutes when Sean Dowdall held the ball up well and spread play wide left to strike partner Gary Birch who drove into the Royals penalty area and fired first time, forcing 'keeper Chris Gemmell into a fine block. However, the rebound looped back up right into the path of Phil Rowe who calmly headed home into an empty net from close range.

Right on the stroke of half time the Pics effectively sealed their passage into Monday's Third Round Qualifying draw when a clearance out of the hands of custodian Tony Breeden bounced nicely into the path of Sean Dowdall who was sent racing clear of Sutton's rearguard, before picking his spot and firing venomously home from just inside the box past the despairing dive of Chris Gemmell.

During the remainder of the game the essentially disappointing visitors largely failed to trouble the Olympic defence, while the home side had a couple of chances to extended their advantage - the best of which was substitute Paul Szewczyk's rasping 20 yards drive with his first touch that the Royals stopper did extremely well to push away eleven minutes from full time.

Sutton's woes were complete in the fourth minute of stoppage time when stand-in skipper Nathan Moran was sent off after appearing to swing an arm at Rushall substitute Damien Charie.

In a reversed fixture Rushall Olympic's Second Team lost 5-2 at Rothwell Town in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division. The young Pics found themselves four goals down at the interval, before going further behind after the break. Two late goals from James Groves salvaged some pride for Rushall.

Rushall Olympic manager Paul Holleran is set to hand DAVE HAYWOOD an immediate debut in tomorrow's FA Cup Second Round Qualifying clash with neighbours Sutton Coldfield Town at Dales Lane after the versatile player transferred to the Pic's from Halesowen on Wednesday evening.

The left-sided player had also previously played for the Rushall boss at both Solihull Borough and the Yeltz and Paul Holleran had no doubts that his latest signing would be a more than useful acquisition, commenting: "He will bring a lot of experience and quality to the club."

The highly rated 29-year-old is equally at home in defence or in a more advanced role and originally interested his former manager back in January 2007, but opted to remain at The Grove. He began his career with spells at both Boldmere St Michaels and Bolehall Swifts, before eventually linking up with Sutton Coldfield Town. Summer 2000 saw him opt for a move to Tamworth, in preference to Halesowen Town, where he spent the next two seasons and was a member of the squad who finished season 2001-02 as runners-up in the Southern League Premier Division. Summer 2002 saw him transfer to Western Division outfit Solihull Borough, where a fourth place finish was achieved during season 2002-03, while during the following season in March 2004 he followed manager Paul Holleran to Halesowen Town. A fourth place at The Grove finish was good enough to secure promotion to the Premier Division to accommodate the newly formed second tier of the Conference for season 2004-05.

More good news is that striker Paul Szewczyk is available for the first time this season, while Gary Birch and Niki Preston are both expected to shake off respective ankle and hamstring injuries.

Meanwhile, the Pics manager knows his side are certainly in for a tough ride tomorrow afternoon against one of their British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands rivals and admitted: "This is a massive game for us because of what's at stake. I think Sutton are the best side in our league on their day, but at home we've been very productive. We have looked decent and I think it will be a good cup tie."

It was a severe case of deja vu for Rushall Olympic as they returned home from Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield for the second time in the space of a month smarting from a lacklustre defeat provided courtesy of bogey side Romulus. However, on this occasion in the First Round of the Errea Cup it all began in more promising fashion for the visitors as Lee Barrow blasted home a superb 38th minute free-kick from the edge of the box into the top right corner to give his side the advantage.

Unfortunately it all too predictably went rapidly down hill during the second period as the Pic's nemesis ultimately out fought and out thought their lightweight opponents with alarming ease. A dubious penalty award just before the hour mark brought the hosts level via Tyrone Fagan's spot kick, prior to substitute Leon Mitchell volleying home from close range with 13 minutes remaining to earn his side a place in the next round of the competition.

Rushall Olympic’s Youth Team suffered a 3-1 reversal at Tipton Town in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division.

Please note that Rushall Olympic's Errea Cup First Round tie with ROMULUS has a 7.30 pm kick-off time at Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield.

Rushall Olympic's Second Team remain stranded at the bottom of the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division table following a 2-0 defeat against Coleshill Town at Dales Lane as the visitors claimed their first victory of the campaign.

Rushall Olympic’s Youth Team were hit for six at Dales Lane by Black Country outfit Tividale in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division as the visitor ran out 6-2 winners.

Rushall Olympic struggled to a single goal victory at Midland Football Alliance basement club Cradley Town to stumble into Round 2 of the Birmingham Senior Cup.

Predictably, manager Paul Holleran made four changes to the line-up that convincingly accounted for Alliance front runners Atherstone Town three days earlier in order to give his squad an opportunity to stake their claim for a regular starting role - but on the basis of the night's performance the regular XI need not be too concerned.

Northing could certainly be taken away from a rock bottom Cradley outfit, searching for their third manager of a turbulent campaign, whose players gave their all and with a little more luck could even have claimed a memorable scalp.

The only goal of the tie arrived just after the midway point of the first period when Gary Birch's looping effort cannoned off the crossbar and Sean Dowdall clinically nodded home the rebound from close range.

Although the hosts were largely limited to long range efforts, Olympic 'keeper Tony Breeden was forced into a fine block 10 minutes into the second period to maintain his sides advantage. Meanwhile, the Pic's best opportunity to extend their advantage came when David Waple placed the ball on to the crossbar from 15 yards with only a few minutes remaining.

Other than that there was precious little else to write home about.

Rushall Olympic's reward for beating Midland Football Alliance pacesetters Atherstone Town will be another home tie, this time against British Gas Business Football League Division One Midland neighbours SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN in the Second Round Qualifying stage of the Football Association Challenge Cup competition sponsored by E.ON.

The tie will take place at Dales Lane on Saturday 29 September 2007, kick-off 3.00 pm.

A fully committed professional performance from Rushall Olympic saw them ultimately breeze past the potential banana skin that was Midland Football Alliance leaders Atherstone Town with an emphatic 4-1 triumph at Dales Lane.

An edgy opening from the home side was punished on 12 minutes as the Pic's found themselves behind when poor defending allowed a centre from the right to be flicked on and danger man Roy Dunkley powered in a free header from 10 yards.

Rushall were back on level terms on 25 minutes when Lee Gough's excellent long throw was flicked on by Phil Rowe and Damien Charie stooped to head home on the far post to restore parity.

As Town pressed to regain the lead Dominic Reece crashed a pacey volley onto Olympic's crossbar just after the half hour mark from fully 40 yards out with Tony Breeden appearing to have it otherwise covered.

Olympic took the lead on 39 minutes when Gary Birch crafted a beauty of a goal after picking up possession on the right face of Atherstone's area and curling the ball around the despairing dive of 'keeper Richard Williams into the left side of goal.

A penalty award to Rushall in the 69th minute appeared to firmly turn things in their favour when Damien Charie was tripped from behind by Adders skipper Lee Everitt and Gary Birch calmly stroked home the resulting spot kick into the bottom right corner, sending the visitors custodian the wrong way.

Atherstone remained a danger and Tony Breeden in the Rushall goal pulled a off a breathtaking point-blank save to deny Roy Dunkley a second goal on 72 minutes. However, the Pic's reigned supreme when in the first minute of injury time Gary Birch was sent racing clear of the last man, prior to wrong footing the Atherstone stopper and calmly slotting the ball into an empty net from 12 yards to complete a personal hat-trick and a four star performance from Rushall.

Rushall Olympic’s Dales Lane ground is set to play host to a fund-raising match in memory of Walsall Football Club Youth player Anton Reid who tragically collapsed and died after taking a ball on his chest during a routine practice session at the University of Aston training pitch in Birmingham Road, Walsall, on Monday 20 August, aged just 16.

Devastated local football coach Tony Oakes has organised the game, set for the evening of Friday 21 September, in memory of one of his former players who he managed when Anton was a 7-year-old.

Anton’s funeral was held at the Holy Trinity Church, in Birchfield Road, Birmingham, on Friday 7 September and attended by hundreds of mourners. Mr. Oakes said money raised from the game, which is likely to feature Anton's former team-mates from a number of clubs including the Saddlers youth players, will be given to Anton's parents Sonia Bailey and Dave Reid to help cover the expensive funeral costs.

The game will be played the day after what would have been Anton's 17th birthday. As a junior Anton played under Mr. Oakes at Streetly AFC, before leaving for West Bromwich Albion at the age of 12 and then Walsall the following year. Mr. Oakes said: "Anton was much more than a player to me. He always kept in touch, and would often visit me at my house. He was like one of the family in many ways. He never forgot where he came from and, had he made it really big, we know Anton would not have changed as a person. The funeral was a fitting tribute to Anton. But there were huge costs involved and hopefully we can raise as much money as possible to go towards that. I've had great support from his family, Walsall FC's Youth Team Coach Mick Halsall and Rushall Olympic, who have been absolutely brilliant and helpful."

Tickets cost £ 4.00 for adults or £ 2.00 for children and are available from Mr. Oakes by calling 07980 634274 or at the Dales Lane turnstiles on the night. The game kicks off at 7.30 pm.

Anton Reid

Rushall Olympic’s Youth Team romped home to an excellent 4-0 victory over neighbours Chasetown at Dales Lane in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division. The result saw the Pic's climb to fifth place in the table, just three points behind early leaders Stapenhill.

Rushall Olympic ground out an excellent single goal victory at highly fancied Evesham United to claim the first success on their travels this term and gain ample redress for the defeat incurred in the corresponding fixture last season at Worcester City's St Georges Lane ground.

Following a goalless first period the all important moment arrived in the 70th minute when a good move saw the ball worked from the left channel through Sean Dowdall and debutant strike partner Gary Birch, the latter of which delivered a slide rule pass into the path of Phil Rowe who made a terrific burst into the right side of the Robins box and lashed venomously home into the bottom corner.

Rushall Olympic's young Second Team stumbled to a third successive defeat in the Midland Football Combination Reserve Division following a narrow a 2-1 defeat against newcomers Coventry Sphinx at Dales Lane.

Rushall Olympic manager Paul Holleran will unleash his new-look strike pairing of Gary Birch and Sean Dowdall for the first time at Evesham United tomorrow afternoon in British Gas Business Football League Division One Midlands action.

The Dales Lane boss this week snapped up the former Walsall and Lincoln City striker on a one-month loan deal from AFC Telford United this week and will throw him straight into the fray at Worcester City's St. Georges Lane ground.

The arrival of the new striker will allow summer signing Paul Szewczyk more time to achieve full match fitness and Paul Holleran certainly believes that the two front runners will be a handful for any defence, claiming: "I think they will compliment each other quite well. Gary Birch is a super target man and Sean lives on the shoulder of defenders. Hopefully it will be a partnership that will click."

Meanwhile, the Pic's are hoping to welcome Grant Beckett back into midfield after missing the last three games through injury, but playmaker Chad Sheppard will definitely be absent due to a one match suspension order being imposed for receiving a dismissal as a result of two cautions against Leamington last month.

Following the promising start of Rushall Olympic’s newly reformed Youth Team last week, the Under-18’s were pegged back at home by early Midland Floodlit Youth League Western Division pace setters Stapenhill who maintained their own 100% start to the campaign with a 3-1 victory at Dales Lane.

In a major coup for Rushall Olympic, vastly experienced striker Gary Birch of AFC Telford United has agreed to a one month loan move away from the New Bucks Head so that he can get some much needed regular first team football under his belt at Dales Lane.

The former Walsall, Barnsley and Lincoln City marksman's opportunities at Telford had been somewhat limited this season and the player himself also admitted he was a long way from full match fitness ahead of last weekend's home match with Gainsborough Trinity. However, following a meeting between the player, United manager Rob Smith and assistant manager Larry Chambers last Friday night, the club agreed to a request for a loan deal - which was when Pic's Manager Paul Holleran first decided to make his bold move.

The move also marks the continuation of an excellent working relationship between the two clubs that saw the like s of Dean Perrow, Tyrone Barnett, Ben Twigger and Richard Beale take up similar loan deals with the Pic's during last season.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star the 26-year-old striker admitted: "A loan move will do me good, but we've got to be careful where I go because I'll be stuck there for a month. It's got to be a club where I know I'm going to get a full 90 minutes every week. That's one of the most important considerations for me. I spoke to Rob, Larry and the chairman on Thursday and I'm hoping we can get something written down in the loan agreement to make sure I'm playing. There's no point me going for one game then finding myself on the bench because I'm not fit. I might as well stay at Telford if that's the case. Wherever I go, they've got to realise it's going to take one or two games to get into my stride."

Although being allowed to arrive at Dales Lane on a one month loan deal, Birch was also extremely encouraged to be told he remained part of Telford's long-term plans and as such the Shropshire outfit would not allow their front runner to become cup-tied in either FA Cup or FA Trophy action while with the Pic's. "They've told me they want me to get games and get myself fit, then come back fighting for a place in the first team, and it's reassuring to hear that," he added.

After training with his new team mates this week, manager Paul Holleran will hand the forward his Rushall debut on Saturday afternoon at Evesham United partnering fellow newcomer Sean Dowdall up front in what will hopefully become a formidable partnership.

Just a quick reminder to all Rushall Olympic supporter's that Assistant Manager Chris Brindley and Club Secretary Peter Athersmith will both be appearing on BBC Radio W.M. on Wednesday 5th September in The Tony Butler Football Phone-in as special guests of the man himself.

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

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

Rushall Olympic Football Club's new "500 Club" commenced in earnest tonight with the following result:

The weekly draw sees 50 % of the proceeds split between a First Prize and Second Prize, while the remaining 50 % of the proceeds will then be split equally between Rushall Olympic Football Club and a newly created "Facilities Improvement Fund".

Anyone wishing to become an Agent for the draw should contact Administrator Ray Jones in the first instance via the main club telephone number (01922) 641 021. Ray will be available from about 8.30 pm onwards on Sunday evenings when the draw will be taking place. Better still, why not pop along in person!

A goal poachers brace from debutant striker Sean Dowdall eased Rushall Olympic comfortably through to the next phase of the FA Challenge Cup at home to Midland Football Alliance neighbours Boldmere St Michaels with a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Following an uninspiring goalless first period the second half burst to life after only 30 seconds when Richard Beale's curling centre from the left was flicked clinically beyond 'keeper Paul Fellows by Sean Dowdall from 10 yards. Two minutes later and Lee Gough struck the foot of the Mikes near post from the acutest of angles after cutting dangerously in from the right channel.

Rushall doubled their advantage just before the hour mark when an in swinging corner from the right by Richard Beale dropped in at the far post, beyond the reach of Boldmere's custodian, with the assistant referee adjudging that the ball had indeed carried over the goal line.

The home side had the ball in the back of the net again in the 70th minute as Lee Barrow bundled over from close range and was followed up by Damien Charie, but play was halted for an earlier infringement during the build up.

Olympic completed their emphatic success with 16 minutes remaining when a slide rule pass inside from Phil Rowe was threaded through to Neil Barnfield on the right side of goal, whose centre was rifled home by Sean Dowdall from close range as the striker claimed his second of the game.