Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Dave Haywood, 4. Richard Brown, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Richard Beale, 9. Junior Brown, 10. James Knott, 11. Neil Barnfield. Subs: 12. Neil Grainger (for J.Brown 65 mins), 14. Craig Marshall (for Knott 73 mins), 15. Rob Holdcroft, 16. Phil Rowe (for Becket 83 mins), 17. Karl Johnson.

Goal: Beale (27-pen), Knott (34), Marshall (81)

Bedworth United : 1. Andrew Kemp, 2. Neil Lazarus, 3. Aston Jephcott, 4. Daniel Pitham, 5. Ben Thackery, 6. Gilbert Cummins, 7. Simeon Williams, 8. Ben Twigger ©, 9. Ben Cole, 10. Moussa Sylla, 11. Jamie Williams, Subs: 12. James Fox (for S.Williams), 14. Leroy Williams (for Sylla), 15. Jason Powell, 16. Sam Bircher.

Rushall Olympic regained fourth place in the table and strengthened their play-off claims further by easing to a comfortable home win against mid-table Bedworth United to gain ample revenge for defeat in the reverse fixture back in November.

With manager Paul Holleran on holiday, his assistant Chris Brindley took charge of team affairs and opted to make a few changes with striker James Knott making his full debut, while Dave Haywood and Neil Barnfield were restored to the starting line-up as Neil Grainger, Rob Holdcroft and Phil Rowe all took their place on the bench.

After the visitors won the toss and opted to allow Rushall the advantage of the Dales Lane slope and a strong swirling tail wind, the home side were rapidly on the offensive and proceeded to pin their guests firmly in their own half for long periods. With only ninety seconds on the watch a big penalty appeal rang out as James Knott appeared to be brought down in the Bedworth box by a stray leg of defender, but much to the consternation of the home contingent the match official waived away the strong protests.

Worse was to follow on 6 minutes when James Knott was this time the victim of a blatant shove in the back from his marker, but incredibly referee Mr. Bate was still having none of it as his popularity amongst the Dales Lane faithful waned even further.

In the 17th minute Bedworth finally made their own mark on proceedings when a flowing move saw Ben Cole find his way past the Rushall defence, but could only send a low sixteen yard drive well wide of the right hand post.

As the home side regained the initiative on 26 minutes they were awarded a free kick just inside their own half and skipper Lee Barrow had Bedworth 'keeper Andrew Kemp furiously back pedalling to tip over his wind assisted long range effort for a corner. However, the danger was far from over and as Richard Beale swung in the resulting flag kick from the right the referee surprised everyone by pointing to the penalty spot after Richard Brown had been nudged off the ball, in what was arguably the most debatable of the three penalty appeals of the match so far. From the resulting spot kick top scorer Richard Beale stepped up to the mark and consummately converted his conversion into the bottom right corner, sending the Greenbacks custodian the wrong way in the process to net his 15th goal of the campaign and his sixth from 12 yards.

On the half hour mark United briefly responded when former Olympic loan player Ben Twigger sent a rising 25 yard effort well over Tony Breeden's woodwork.

Eleven minutes prior to the interval and the home side deservedly doubled their advantage when a probing pass picked out the hard working Junior Brown some 12 yards out, but with his back to goal the ball appeared to get stuck under his feet and was unable to turn around to get a telling shot off. However, striker partner James Knott was alert to the situation and as the danger was about to be cleared by the visitors defence the front runner displayed immense bravery by steaming in to the ruck of players to clinically rifle home from eight yards.

Rushall emerged for the second period braced for the visitor's potential onslaught with the slope and wind now in their favour, however the threat never really materialised as Bedworth were ultimately limited to a handful of long range efforts that rarely tested 'keeper Tony Breeden.

A minute after the restart and Bedworth substitute Leroy Williams found himself goal side, but from an acute angle in the left of the box a low 15 yard drive deflected off defender Niki Preston safely into the hands on the Pics custodian.

Eleven minutes later as Olympic continued to adapt to the atrocious weather conditions, visiting attacker Leroy Williams again found himself in a good position but could only send a 25 yard effort sailing over the crossbar.

As the second period continued the Pics were admirably absorbing Bedworth's increasingly futile attempts to break down their hosts' steadfast defensive unit, while at the other end the home side were still managing to make telling inroads into opposition territory on the counter offensive.

Still the Greenbacks were limited to long range efforts and as the game moved into the final quarter of an hour Jamie Williams chanced his arm with a 25 yard drive that was well held by stopper Tony Breeden in his midriff at ground level.

With Rushall by now having replaced front pairing Junior Brown and James Knott with Craig Marshall and Neil Grainger, the home side began to pose new problems for Bedworth.

In the 80th minute the latter created some space for himself on the left edge of the box and sent a curling effort marginally wide of the top right corner. However, it only acted as a precursor to what was about to come when within a minute as Olympic maintained their pressure a pin-point centre to the far post from the right picked out Craig Marshall who rose to plant a looping header into the top far corner across the despairing dive of 'keeper Andrew Kemp to seal all three points for the Pics.

With two minutes remaining United's Jamie Williams was presented with the opportunity to restore some pride for his side, but once again Rushall's custodian was in no mood to relinquish a clean sheet and was equal to the challenge as he took no chance by safely parrying away the pacey strike from the edge of the box around the post for a corner kick.

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Rob Holdcroft, 4. Richard Brown, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Richard Beale, 9. Neil Grainger, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Phil Rowe. Subs: 12. Craig Marshall (for J,Brown 80 mins), 14. Neil Barnfield (for Beckett 61 mins), 15. James Knott, 16. Dave Haywood (for Rowe 61 mins), 17. Karl Johnson.

Goal: Beale (64-pen)

Willenhall Town : 1. Stuart Brock, 2. Sean Platt, 3. Craig Milligan, 4. Scott Stamps, 5. Dan Harvey, 6. Ross Brown, 7. Tony Nicholls, 8. Steve Palmer ©, 9. Tyrone Barnett, 10. Karl Edwards, 11. Sam Smith. Subs: 12. Josh McKenzie (for Nicholls 82 mins), 14. Tom Warmer (for Milligan 71 mins), 15. Justin Nisbett, 16. Craig Gregg.

Goal: McKenzie (88)

Rushall Olympic may well have considered the end result as two points lost rather than one point gained after conceding an 88th minute equaliser against neighbours Willenhall Town.

In a game where clear cut opportunities were few and far between and defences were ultimately very much on top throughout, although the Pics dropped one place to fifth in the table as a result of the stalemate, they still hold on to the crucial final promotion play-off spot by three points.

The Lockmen were first to show after only three minutes when Richard Brown and Tyrone Barnett both jump for and missed a looping ball that dropped straight to the feet of Tony Nicholls. Fortunately for Rushall the midfielder could only hook marginally wide of Tony Breeden's left hand post from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later and as the Pics responded in kind Neil Grainger was sent racing clear of the visitors defence, but experienced custodian Stuart Brock did well to advance off his line to narrow the angle and Rushall's striker could only send the ball wide of the right post from 15 yards.

Midway through the first period and Willenhall defender Craig Milligan tried his luck from the edge of the box after running across the face of the area and curling a drive wide of the right hand post with the Rushall stopper seemingly having things covered.

On 32 minutes only a breathtaking reflex save from Olympic's Tony Breeden maintained parity after his defenders were far too lackadaisical in clearing the danger, allowing front runner Tyrone Barnett to unleash a powerful volley at point blank range that sternly tested the strength in the custodian's wrists.

A minute into the second period and the home side almost caught their guests completely cold when an excellent move saw the industrious Neil Grainger beat his marker before providing a reverse pass to Rob Holdcroft, who in turn lifted an inch perfect lofted ball over Town's last man to pick out Junior Brown. As the striker took a touch he unleashed a powerful low drive from 15 yards that flashed fractionally wide of the foot of the right hand post, muting the home supporters premature celebrations.

As the game moved into a scrappy phase it was Willenhall who began to create the lion's share of the limited goal scoring opportunities available and on 56 minutes Tony Breeden had to claim the ball at the second attempt as Tony Nicholls dipping 20 yard strike was initially fumbled low down.

On 64 minutes Olympic forced a corner down the right channel, from where Richard Beale looped in the resulting flag kick. However, when the ball was only partially cleared as far as Neil Barnfield on the edge of the box the midfielder quickly struck a shot goalwards that was intercepted by the arm of the Reds Tony Nicholls and referee Mr. Gratton had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Pics top scorer Richard Beale consequently took possession of the ball and from the 12-yard mark drilled an unstoppable conversion into the bottom right corner, sending 'keeper Stuart Brock the wrong way and in the process claimed his fourteenth goal of an impressive campaign.

As the game progressed to a conclusion, the opening goal appeared to be enough to have claimed maximum points for the home side, however as Rushall conceded a needless free-kick on their left flank with two minutes remaining, the ball was promptly pumped into the danger zone. Although a firm header looked to have cleared the danger for Olympic, it was stopped dead in its tracks upon striking a defender and as the ball fell invitingly into the path of Josh McKenzie the substitute rifled home from close range with virtually his first touch of the game to claim a dramatic share of the spoils for the visitors.

Woodford United : 1. Thornton, 2. Cole, 3. Eindale. 4. Harris, 5. Hyde, 6. Fountain, 7. Ayris, 8. Lamb, 9. Wood, 10. Lorrine, 11. Worrall. Subs: 12. Hoppitt, 14. O'Callaghan. (substitutions not noted)

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Rob Holdcroft, 4. Richard Brown, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Phil Rowe, 9. Neil Grainger, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Neil Barnfield. Subs: 12. James Knott (for Grainger 60 mins), 14. Craig Marshall (for J,Brown 60 mins), 15. Karl Johnson (for Beckett 66 mins), 16. Dave Haywood, 17. Chris Brindley.

Goals: J.Brown (14,61); Thornton (34-og)

Rushall Olympic climbed into the play-off positions for the first time since the opening day of the campaign thanks to an emphatic 3-0 victory at Woodford United. Striker Junior Brown led his side to victory with a brace, with only a rebound off the home custodian for the Pics second goal denying him a thoroughly deserved hat-trick.

Rushall's rise to fourth place was accomplished on the back of a fourth successive league victory and was also their fourth on the bounce on their travels, not to mention an increasingly impressive twenty-seventh clean sheet in the fiftieth game of the season.

The visitors enjoyed the perfect start to get them well on the road to victory when Lee Gough was obstructed down the right flank to yield a free-kick. However, during the aftermath Woodford's Ayris appeared to deliberately stamp on the Pic's wing back and was fortunate to receive only a caution, while Rushall's Neil Grainger was also shown a yellow card after airing his views on the incident with the match official. As skipper Lee Barrow looped the ball into the far post, Junior Brown rose majestically above all those around him and powered home a header into the top corner from 10 yards out.

The first period continued to be very much one-way traffic in Olympic's favour as the home side were limited to a couple of brief breakaways, with 'keeper Tony Breeden otherwise having very little to do. It was little surprise when Rushall doubled their advantage on 34 minutes when a pin-point centre from the right picked out Junior Brown who planted a firm header on to the crossbar that rebounded directly off the back of 'keeper Thornton and over the line.

The start of the second period was delayed for several minutes due to a brief blizzard that produced whiteout conditions, but ultimately passed as quickly as it arrived. When proceedings finally re-commenced the visitors reasserted their overall dominance and within fourteen minutes of the restart they claimed their third goal of the afternoon and with it they effectively sealed all three points. As a Woodford throw-in was intercepted by Richard Brown, the defender sent Neil Grainger racing clear down the line, where the front runner played the ball in between Junior Brown and defender Harris. After his striker partner cleverly wrong footed his marker he produced a sublime finish under the body of 'keeper Thornton from the edge of the box to complete his brace.

Within a minute of his side scoring the third goal manager Paul Holleran took the opportunity to withdraw both Neil Grainger and Junior Brown and replace them with Craig Marshall and James Knott for the final half hour, with the Easter Monday programme firmly in mind.

As the visitors began to take their foot off the gas with their job seemingly done, United were allowed to come back into the contest somewhat and with seventeen minutes remaining Lamb's powerful free-kick from 20 yards out was extremely well held by Tony Breeden. Minutes later and as Woodford forced two successive corner kicks, from the second Olympic's custodian was once again called into action by pulling off another fine save to parry away a venomous snap shot.

For the remainder of the encounter Rushall's defensive unit effectively soaked up any residual pressure from their hosts, while the visitors themselves also enjoyed a couple of half chances to extend their advantage further in the final ten minutes.

Once again it was another highly professional team performance from Olympic who go into the final eight games of the campaign eight points adrift of third place Sutton Coldfield Town with two games in hand and holding a two point advantage over Stourbridge and Aylesbury United.

Berkhamsted Town : 1. Grant Palmer, 2. Dan Doran, 3. Luke Bartlett, 4. Jack Denham, 5. Andy Hughes, 6. Peter Owen, 7. Andy Mullins, 8. Ben Butler, 9. Grant Saunders, 10. Ian Brumwell, 11. Sean Bishell. Subs: 12. Tony Fields, 14. Dan Brumwell (for I.Brumwell), 15. Greg Walsh, (for Saunders), 16. Ian Richardson.

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Richard Beale, 4. Richard Brown, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Rob Holdcroft, 8. Phil Rowe, 9. Neil Grainger, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Elliott Durrell. Subs: 12. Grant Beckett (for Durrell), 14. Craig Marshall (for Grainger), 15. James Knott (for J.Brown), 16. Karl Johnson, 17. Chris Brindley.

Goals: Beale-pen (40)

Match Reporter: Mark Miller

Rushall's second trip in three days to the South Chilterns was a tough encounter to which was predicted spot on by manager Paul Holleran, who warned his side the home team would be fighting for their lives.

As early as the third minute Rushall had 'keeper Tony Breeden to thank by his excellent save turning Andy Mullins vicious drive from 25 yards round the post.

Rushall made a few good openings early on at the Berkhamsted goal, with the best on nine minutes when Junior Brown set up Neil Grainger to produce a cheeky backward header, but with the 'keeper beaten Luke Bartlett cleared off the line.

Rushall lay in to the home side forcing a series of corners, but on the half hour they had a big let off when referee judged Andy Mullins trip was on the edge of the box, but was clearly a spot kick.

Rushall were trying all ways to break down Berko's stubborn defence. With Robbie Holdcroft pulling the stings, Pics were award a penalty kick on forty minutes when Andy Hughes controlled the ball with his arm, and it was left to top scorer Richard Beale to emphatically find the net from the spot.

Lee Gough was the next Pics player to be denied a goal from fifteen yards after Holdcroft put him through, only for Jack Denham's goal line block, as Rushall went into the interval only one goal up.

The second period was only seconds old when Telford United loanee, Elliott Durrell's run down the right and quality cross saw Neil Grainger's header from ten yards out miss a golden opportunity for the Pics.

After just a few corners won early in the second half by Rushall, the home side raised their game as well as becoming very physical, with Breeden, Brown, Barrow, Preston and Grainger all needing treatment for bad challenges and it was surprising only Andy Hughes got booked for the home side.

New signing from Evesham United James Knott replaced the hardworking Junior Brown and manager Paul Holleran also introduced fresh legs with Grant Beckett and Craig Marshall coming on midway through the half.

The last quarter of the game Rushall had their back four, who have the Divisions best defensive record to thank, as Berkhamsted laid siege from all directions. The mark of a good team is its defence and they were truly tested by a team performing like a top of the league outfit rather than their basement placing.

Once again Rushall produced yet another steadfast team effort to earn another valuable three points and a step closer to the play-off placing's, but with the Pics now level on games with other teams in the division and the marathon catch up now over, maybe they can relax a bit more and get a few injuries to key players cleared up for the final run in. Manager Paul Holleran now has to prepare his team for Woodford United away on Saturday and the big local derby at Dales Lane against Willenhall Town on Easter Monday.

Chesham United : 1. Richard Hayward, 2. Mike Sharman, 3. Sam Ledger, 4. Jordan Bostock, 5. Andy Keepence, 6. Dan Talbot, 7. Mark Lambert, 8. Dave Fotheringham, 9. Dan Burnell, 10. Eugene Ofori, 11. Kevin Cotton. Subs: 12. Steve Cawley (for Sharman 63 mins), 14. Domenico Marsala (for Cotton 78 mins), 15. Simon Ellis, 16. Sam Winston (for Keepence 45 mins), 17. Phil Turner.

Goal: Ofori (73)

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Richard Beale, 4. Richard Brown, 5. Lee Barrow, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Elliott Durrell, 9. Neil Grainger, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Phil Rowe. Subs: 14. Craig Marshall (for Grainger 68 mins), 15. Karl Johnson (for Durrell 72 mins), 16. Chris Brindley (for Rowe 84 mins), 17. Mark Gayle.

Goals: Grainger (3,51), J.Brown (8)

Rushall Olympic continued their steady rise up the league standings following an excellent 3-1 success at The Meadow home of fellow promotion play-off rivals Chesham United that ultimately wrestled sixth position from the Buckinghashire outfit. A quick fire double from Neil Grainger and Junior Brown saw the visitors surge into the front in the third and eighth minutes, while a second from the former five minutes into the second period extended the Pics advantage as Chesham pulled back a consolation goal with eighteen minutes remaining.

The Pics went into the crucial encounter already shorn of the services of Dave Haywood, Rob Holdcroft and Paul McMahon in their bid to seek revenge for a single goal defeat by promotion chasing Buckinghamshire outfit at Dales Lane just eleven days previous. However, Rushall received a further blow during the warm up when Ian Cooper pulled up with an injury and substitute Elliott Durrell was forced to take his place as the visitors began the game with just four replacements.

Despite the set back Olympic could not have wished for a better start when with only three minutes on the watch Neil Grainger put them in front with a glorious maiden goal for his new side. As 'keeper Tony Breeden punted a 60 yard ball forward the front runner brought it under control to perfection and lashed it home into the bottom left corner past the despairing dive of 'keeper Richard Hayward.

With Rushall now having the bit firmly between their teeth the clearly buoyant visitors surpassed all expectations when they stormed into a commanding two goal lead after just 13 minutes when Junior Brown received an inch perfect pass from Grant Beckett, turned his marker and expertly rounded the Generals custodian before firing home into an empty net.

The shell shocked hosts responded on 24 minutes when their new big budget signing Eugene Ofori turned the Pics Richard Brown inside before firing barely a foot wide of the target from the edge of the box. However, the missed opportunity clearly gave Chesham confidence and for the remainder of the first period they began to play with more authority, but rarely troubled the visitors defensive unit, despite forcing a couple of free-kicks in dangerous areas.

Rushall survived a scare straight from the restart when United forced a corner down the right that was played in to the far post from where Sam Ledger headed marginally over the woodwork from close range.

Five minutes into the second period and another excellent move saw Olympic surge into a commanding 3-0 lead when Elliott Durrell left his marker for dead down the right flank before nearing the by-line and centring to the far post where Junior Brown unselfishly played the ball back across the six yard box and Neil Grainger gleefully rifled home his second of the game.

Olympic suffered a blow on 68 minutes when their two-goal hero Neil Grainger was forced to limp out of the contest and was replaced by Craig Marshall.

With eighteen minutes remaining Chesham began their attempts to turn the tide by pulling a goal back when the ball was played into danger man Eugene Ofori 20 yards out and the striker hit a speculative first time drive that ultimately came off the inside of Tony Breeden's right hand post and ricocheted into the back of the net.

The goal clearly gave the home side a massive confidence boost and the Pics began to come under increasing pressure against a side whose support were evidently unhappy about the way the game had previously been going in their quest to secure a place amongst the promotion play-off places.

Although Rushall continued to weather the storm somewhat as a goal bound shot was blocked out and another went perilously wide of the target, the visitors defensive ranks admirably held firm until the final whistle to pull off one of their best results of the campaign so far.

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Dave Haywood, 4. Richard Brown, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Richard Beale, 9. Neil Grainger, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Rob Holdcroft. Subs: 12. Elliott Durrell (for Haywood 60 mins), 14. Karl Johnson, 15. Chris Brindley (for Beckett 75 mins), 16. Craig Marshall, 17. Mark Gayle.

Goals: Preston (17), J.Brown (31, 63), Durell (68), Gough (84, 87)

Woodford United : 1. David Thornton, 2. Alan Haynes, 3. Chris Jackson ©, 4. Danny Hollywood, 5. Ian Waldock, 6. Luke Cole, 7. Anthony Powell, 8. Kelvin Deviocey, 9. Tony Lorrine, 10. Lynton Dildale, 11. Darren Massingham. Subs: 12. Lee Worrall (for Dildale), 14. David Happitt (for Powell).

Rushall Olympic hit the goal trail at Dales Lane by knocking troubled visitors Woodford United for six with four goals in the second period. Junior Brown and Lee Gough both netted a brace apiece, with the latter grabbing a quick fire double in the final four minutes, as the Pics eased up into seventh place in the league standings.

Manager Paul Holleran made several changes as striker Neil Grainger came in for his full debut at the expense of Craig Marshall, while Lee Gough returned to the starting line-up and midfielder Rob Holdcroft made his first full appearance since January as a result of an injury to Neil Barnfield.

The Pics quickly imposed their authority on proceedings and deservedly forged ahead on 17 minutes when Neil Grainger set up Richard Beale whose 12 yard snap shot was parried over for a corner by 'keeper David Thornton. As the resulting flag kick from the right dropped into the danger zone Niki Preston took full control, turned on a sixpence and rifled home into the bottom right corner from 12 yards.

Rushall doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when a flowing four-man move, as a result of a throw-in from the left, saw the impressive Neil Grainger force the ball through to Grant Beckett whose inch perfect lofted ball from outside the box picked out Junior Brown, where the striker displayed great technique to deftly volley home into the top right corner from 10 yards.

Two minutes later and the home side should really have been three goals to the good when another excellent move ended with Junior Brown heading across the face of goal to Neil Grainger who could only nod the ball wide of the target from 10 yards.

As the Pics continued to dominate three minutes prior to the interval, skipper Lee Barrow tried his luck with a wind assisted 45 yarder that skimmed the top of the crossbar with the Woodford custodian at full stretch.

Five minutes into the second period and the home side were quickly back on the offensive when a telling centre from Richard Beale picked out Junior Brown whose first time strike from 12 yards went agonisingly wide of the right post with the busy David Thomson diving full length.

A suicidal back pass from Grant Beckett towards his own goal almost handed United a lifeline, but although front runner Lynton Dildale went scampering clear his finish left a lot to be desired and instead scuffed an effort well wide of the left post from just inside the box.

The introduction of loanee Elliott Durrell as a substitute just after the hour mark led to Rushall's third goal of the evening when with virtually his very first touch on 63 minutes a well weighted centre from the left by-line picked out Junior Brown some 8 yards out who planted a firm header into the bottom right corner to claim his second.

A sudden maelstrom of wind and hail on 68 minutes provided a helping hand for the home side when after forcing a corner the flag kick was delivered from the left by Elliott Durrell and the ball looped into the back of the net unaided past the static Woodford stopper.

In the 84th minute the Pics applied more pressure down their left flank, from where Neil Grainger eventually drove the ball low and hard across the face of goal and the in rushing Lee Gough made no mistake from close range as the wing back used his pace to make a late darting run.

With three minutes remaining Rushall ended the contest with a flourish when Lee Gough took up possession some 35 yards out and from out of nowhere the wing back spotted and opportunity and delicately lifted the ball over the stranded United stopper into the back of the net with a sublime finish.

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Elliott Durrell, 3. Dave Haywood, 4. Karl Johnson, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Richard Beale, 9. Craig Marshall, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Neil Barnfield. Subs: 12. Rob Holdcroft (for Beckett 82 mins), 14. Phil Rowe, 15. Neil Grainger (for J.Brown 71 mins), 16. Lee Gough (for Durrell 65 mins), 17. Chris Brindley.

Aylesbury United : 1. Tim Vincent, 2. Chris Aslett, 3. Kevin Mealor, 4. Nick Leach ©, 5. Stuart Cattell, 6. Ben Stevens, 7. Mark Jones, 8. Sam Swonnell, 9. Craig Henney, 10. Nathan Graham, 11. Mike Feeley. Subs: 12. Danny Nicholls (for Feeley 66 mins), 14. Nathan Liburd (for Henney 78 mins), 15. Ross Taylor (for Jones 78 mins), 16. Jack Silitoe.

Rushall Olympic bounced back from a disappointing midweek result to record an excellent draw at home to promotion chasing Aylesbury United. Although the Pics drew yet another blank in front of goal their resilient defence claimed an impressive twenty-fourth clean sheet of the season in all competitions to more than make up for it.

Manager Paul Holleran opted to make just the one change to the side that had lost in midweek to their guests Buckinghamshire arch rivals Chesham United, as Lee Gough dropped to the bench and was replaced by Elliott Durrell, making a return to Dales Lane on a one month loan from AFC Telford United. Meanwhile, new striker Neil Grainger took his place on the bench following his surprise arrival from neighbours Pelsall Villa.

The home side began the game with the strong swirling wind and the Dales Lane slope in their favour after losing the toss to their guests and soon began to take advantage of the prevailing conditions. Indeed, after nine minutes Grant Beckett spotted an opportunity and sent a first time volley just over the crossbar from 25 yards.

As Rushall continued to press, on the quarter hour mark top scorer Richard Beale went agonisingly close when the midfielder sent a rasping 30 yard drive marginally wide of the left upright with 'keeper Tim Vincent at full stretch. A minute later and Richard Beale missed an arguable sitter when Junior Brown forced the Ducks custodian into a save and as the ball ran loose with Tim Vincent still sprawled over his goal line, Olympic's midfielder opted to go for power from just six yards out and only succeeded in rifling into the left side netting from an acute angle with the goal gaping wide open.

With the Pics still very much on the offensive on twenty-six minutes another long range effort almost gave them the advantage when Dave Haywood made excellent progress down the left flank, before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot from twenty yards that flew narrowly wide of the near post.

Little had been seen of the visitors within the final third of the field up until the thirty-first minute, at which point Aylesbury's frustrations were compounded when Ben Stevens found himself in the referee's book for an over the top challenge on Neil Barnfield.

With eight minutes to go until the interval only an excellent save from visiting 'keeper Tim Vincent prevented his side from falling behind when an inviting ball flicked forward saw Junior Brown peel off his marker and home in on goal. As the Ducks stopper advanced off his line to narrow the angle to match the Rushall front runners progress, his adversary was able to take his time to pick his spot, but only succeeded in having his powerful eighteen yard effort blocked out to relative safety.

The home side almost paid for their failure to open the scoring when with a minute to go until the interval Aylesbury's Mike Feeley was played into literally acres of space on the left side of Olympic's box but, fortunately for the home side, could only crash his drive from an acute angle into the rear stanchion behind the near post.

On the hour mark Rushall's woodwork was tested once again when an ill judged throw out from 'keeper Tony Breeden put Elliott Durrell under immediate pressure, who consequently lost possession. As United broke forward the ball was eventually taken up by Mark Jones who ghosted across the face of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful drive that rebounded off the left hand upright, before being gratefully cleared by the Pics back line.

With Aylesbury now finding their feet, ten minutes later Tony Breeden had to be in top form to claim Nathan Graham's 20 yard snap shot low down safely into his midriff.

On 83 minutes substitute Neil Grainger almost made it a memorable debut for Olympic when the striker just failed to make a connection with Lee Gough's enticing low centre into the far post after the wing back had made a penetrating run innto the right side of the box.

As play moved to the other end two minutes later Pics skipper Lee Barrow picked up a booking for a debatable hand ball offence down the left channel and from the resulting free-kick stopper Tony Breeden once more saved the day for his side when did exceptionally well to block out a shot at close quarters, but was injured in doing so and play was halted for the offence.

At the end of the day it was a fair result, but ultimately it was one that both teams could really have done without in their search for maximum points and a promotion play-off place.

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Dave Haywood, 4. Richard Brown, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Richard Beale, 9. Craig Marshall, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Neil Barnfield. Subs: 12. Paul McMahon (for J.Brown 73 mins), 14. Phil Rowe (for Beckett 73 mins), 15. Rob Holdcroft, 16. Chris Brindley (for Haywood 86 mins), 17. Ian Cooper.

Chesham United : 1. Richard Hayward, 2. Andy Keepence ©, 3. Sam Ledger, 4. Mark Lambert, 5. Jordan Bostock, 6. Dan Talbot, 7. Dave Fotheringham, 8. Adam Parker, 9. Dan Burnell, 10. Sam Winston, 11. Kevin Cotton. Subs: 12. Steve Cawley, 14. Simon Ellis (for Winston 42 mins), 15. Mike Sharman, 16. John Langford, 17. Phil Turner (for Talbot 73 mins).

Goal: Burnell (31)

It was well and truly after the Lord Mayor's Show for Rushall Olympic as their promotion play-off ambitions were firmly put into question by an uncompromising Chesham United outfit who deservedly claimed all three points in a smash and grab raid at Dales Lane.

The visitor's narrow victory against an ultimately disappointing home side stretched their advantage over the Pics to four points, while the home side were left ruing the missed opportunity to leap into the fifth position in the league standings that is now occupied by the Buckinghamshire outfit.

Rushall had to make one enforced change to the team that had ran riot against Berkhamsted Town at the weekend as influential defender Karl Johnson withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Richard Brown, who himself was returning following three games on the sidelines.

The omens were certainly not good for the Pics when as early a the third minute they survived a let off when the night's danger man Dan Burnell found himself clean through, but as 'keeper Tony Breeden did well to block his progress on the edge of the box, the diminutive striker could only rifle narrowly over the bar from 20 yards after regaining possession.

The only goal of the evening came on 31 minutes when Rushall's defence was unlocked all too easily by the fleet footed Chesham attack. As a cross field ball was played towards the left channel it picked out the darting run of Burnell who took a touch and buried the ball beyond 'keeper Breeden into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

As the first half progressed the home side toiled away, but to very little effect and it was arguably hard to recall an occasion when visiting custodian Richard Hayward was tested to any great extent. Indeed, the second period continued in much the same vein as both sides became embroiled in a midfield battle for territorial advantage. However, it was the visitors who always looked the more likely to extend their advantage and also appeared to enjoy that all important extra rub of the green when it really mattered.

With United continuing to look more menacing on the attack, only a brilliant block by the Rushall custodian on the hour mark denied a full bloodied drive from Dave Fotheringham within the confines of the penalty area following a defensive lapse.

Seven minutes later and front runner Burnell was somehow denied by a last ditch block from one of Olympic's back line as the ball spun away for a corner.

As the game petered out to an inevitable conclusion, Rushall must now regroup in preparation for the weekend's equally crucial clash against high flying Aylesbury United, where a good result will be a must if the Pics are to remain within the promotion play-off picture.

Rushall Olympic: 1. Tony Breeden, 2. Lee Gough, 3. Dave Haywood, 4. Karl Johnson, 5. Lee Barrow ©, 6. Niki Preston, 7. Grant Beckett, 8. Richard Beale, 9. Craig Marshall, 10. Junior Brown, 11. Neil Barnfield. Subs: 12. Paul McMahon (for Marshall 67 mins), 14. Phil Rowe (for Barnfield 61 mins), 15. Rob Holdcroft (for Gough 56 mins), 16. Chris Brindley, 17. Mark Gayle.

Goals: Preston (6); Haywood (10); Barmfield (41), Beale (66,72); Brown (75); Rowe (81); McMahon (90)

Berkhamsted Town : 1. Sam Bridges, 2. Jake Gilbert, 3. Jack Denham, 4. Dan Dorans, 5. Pete Owen, 6. And Hughes, 7. Sean Biswell, 8. Ben Butler, 9. Grant Sanders, 10. Andy Mullins, 11. Tony Fields. Subs: 12. Anthony Lewis (for Sanders 44 mins), 14. Luke Bartlett (for Gilbert 73 mins), 15. Ian Richardson.

Rushall Olympic romped home to their biggest win for seven years as they thumped bottom markers Berkhamsted Town by eight goals to nil at Dales Lane to move up into eighth position in the league standings and to within a single point of the promotion play-off zone.

The home side couldn't have wished for a better opening as they stormed into the lead against lowly Berkhamsted after only seven minutes. A spell of early pressure saw the ball eventually delivered via a corner from the right flank and as 'keeper Sam Bridges failed to grasp the centre Niki Preston took full advantage to powerfully head home the loose ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards out.

Within three minutes of the opening goal it looked even bleaker for the visitors when the Pics double their lead after Lee Gough's throw in from the right was flicked on by Junior Brown and the ball eventually found its way to the left face of the box where Dave Haywood unleashed a venomous first time drive that rocketed into the bottom right corner.

The remainder of the first period saw Rushall continue to boss proceedings without really over exerting themselves, however the game sprang to life once more three minutes prior to the interval when a telling centre from the right was challenged for by both Craig Marshall and the Lilywhites custodian, with the latter once more failing to make a claim. On this occasion the ball dropped down and bounced nicely into the path of Neil Barnfield who had the simple task of tapping home from close range into an unguarded net.

Right on the stroke of half time the visitors cause was further hindered when front runner Grant Sanders was forced to leave the field of play after suffering a blow to the head and was replaced by Anthony Lewis. However, still there was time for Olympic to threaten once more before the break when Richard Beale struck the foot of the left hand post with a fine drive from the edge of the box that had 'keeper Sam Bridges beaten all ends up.

Ten minutes into the second period and the home side were quickly back on the offensive when Neil Barnfield sent Lee Gough racing clear down the right channel, before the wing back cut into the box and fired menacingly across the face of goal and marginally past the far post for a goal kick. The opportunity merely acted as a prelude of what was to come as the Pics ultimately launched a devastating five goal salvo that blew away the visitors completely in the final 24 minutes.

On 66 minutes the floodgates began to open when the ever influential Richard Beale once more showed his tremendous worth as a goal scoring midfielder when Junior Brown took up possession and unselfishly slipped the ball into the path of Rushall's top scorer, who took a touch and rolled the ball inch perfectly inside the left hand post from the edge of the box past the stranded Sam Bridges.

Five minutes later and Richard Beale netted his twelfth goal of the campaign to extend his lead further at the top of the Dales Lane goal scoring charts when once more Junior Brown turned provider for his colleague. On this occasion substitute Paul McMahon had a smart drive blocked out, before his strike partner latched on to the rebound and intelligently picked out the unmarked Richard Beale who calmly curled the ball into the net from 15 yards around the Town stopper.

Immediately prior to Rushall's fifth goal Junior Brown himself had gone close when his stinging first time drive from the edge of the box was extremely well gathered low down by 'keeper Sam Bridges. However, Olympic's striker was not to be denied in the 75th minute when he raced on to defence splitting through ball played into his path from midfield, shrugged off the challenge of his marker, before rounding the Berkhamsted custodian and slotting clinically home from 12 yards.

With nine minutes remaining the Pics relenting pressure paid dividends as they found themselves seven goals up when Niki Preston's excellent shot on the turn from just inside the box rebounded off the foot of the right post into the path of Paul McMahon. However, as the strikers return snap shot was blocked it looped agonisingly towards the Lilywhites goal line, but Phil Rowe made sure as the substitute bundled the ball into the back of the net.

In the second minute of injury time Rushall 'keeper Tony Breeden was forced to make his only noteworthy save of the entire contest when with the Dales Lane side still pushing forward a Berkhamsted counter attack yielded a corner kick from which a hooked drive was safely parried away. However, Olympic immediately launched a counter offensive of their own and as Paul McMahon took up possession the front runner progressed to the edge of the box and spotted an opportunity in true goal poacher style by cheekily lobbing the ball over the 'keeper with an exquisite finish.