Image via Christopher Hyslop
Plying their trade a division below Guiseley, Rushall Olympic produced a solid defensive performance to force a deserved draw at Nethermoor on Saturday and take the FA Trophy tie to a replay.
Mark Bower opted to make a number of changes to his team’s line-up and while his side created numerous chances, they were unable to find the crucial blow and will now travel to Rushall on Tuesday as they attempt to finish off the tie.
Despite having much the better of the first half, the home strikers found central defenders Aaron Brown and Mitchell Tolley not giving any quarter, ably assisted by goalkeeper Cameron Belford who made telling stops from Oli Johnson, Alex Johnson and Wayne Brooksby.
It wasn’t until the 40th minute that Olympic’s Jake Heath forced Steven Drench into a meaningful save but the home stopper then came to his side’s rescue three times after the break to deny Aaron Williams twice and Carl Palmer as the visitors grew in confidence.
Guiseley might have had a spot kick when Brown appeared to pull back Alex Johnson before substitute Brooksby had a goal disallowed late on for a handball.
However, Rushall were not to be denied as they clung on for a replay in the West Midlands on Tuesday.
Post match comment: Mark Bower
Entertainment value***
Star man: Cameron Belford (Rushall)
Att: 363
H/T: 0-0
Referee: B Khatib
Team:
1-Steve Drench
2-Andy Holdsworth
3-Ben Parker
4-Shane Killock (Ellis)
5-Danny Lowe
6-Jake Lawlor
7-Wayne Brooksby
8-Danny Boshell
9- Alex Johnson (Boyes 60)
10-Oli Johnson (N Boshell 71)
11-Gavin Rothery
12- Ryan Toulson
14-Nicky Boshell
15-Danny Ellis
16- Adam Boyes
18-Steve Dickinson