Rushall 4 Atherstone 1
Rushall Olympic progressed into the second qualifying phase of the FA Cup for only the second time in 15 seasons thanks to an excellent 4-1 success over Atherstone Town.
Rushall Olympic progressed into the second qualifying phase of the FA Cup for only the second time in 15 seasons thanks to an excellent 4-1 success over Atherstone Town.
The Warwickshire outfit arrived at Dales Lane full of confidence and took the lead on 12 minutes when striker Roy Dunkley heded home.
The hosts finally began to get their act together following the shock of falling behind when Gary Birch planted a header marginally over the crossbar.
Olympic deservedly levelled in the 25th minute when Phil Rowe flicked on Lee Gough's long throw and Damien Charie headed home from close range.
Town remained a threat and Dominic Reece smacked a first time volley against the bar.
A moment of individual brilliance from Birch gave Rushall the advantage just before the break as picked up possession on the right of the Adders penalty area, took a touch and in one flowing movement curled the ball around the despairing dive of keeper Richard Williams.
Birch added a third with 20 minutes to go, slotting home from the penalty spot after Charie had been tripped.
The ex-Walsall striker wrapped things up in injury time when he completed his hat-trick, Birch raced clear of his marker, before calmly wrong footing the visiting keeper and rolling the ball into an empty net from 12 yards.