Rushall happy to be underdogs
Boss Paul Holleran insists Rushall are ready to embrace the mantle of underdogs when they tackle neighbours Hednesford in tomorrow's FA Cup crunch.
Boss Paul Holleran insists Rushall are ready to embrace the mantle of underdogs when they tackle neighbours Hednesford in tomorrow's FA Cup crunch.
Olympic have already overcome the banana skins of ties against lower division opposition Boldmere St Michael and Atherstone Town to reach the third qualifying round.
And although Holleran admits the Pitmen will be favourites to progress to within a game of the first round proper at Dales Lane tomorrow, he warned the Pics could yet have a surprise up their sleeve.
"We were expected to win both those games against Boldmere and Atherstone and on both occasions we did a good job on them," said Holleran, who is expecting to have a full strength side available.
"This time the boot is on the other foot and it's my job as manager to try and make sure the players relax and approach the game like any other, although of course because this is the FA Cup, this is bigger.
"Hednesford are one of the biggest non-league clubs in the Midlands and their fans and directors will be coming here expecting them to knock us over.
"But we have got some know how and experience in our team and players who are used to playing in these types of games and in front of big crowds.
"We also know what threat Hednesford pose. They will work hard for each other, show aggression and discipline, but they've also got two or three players who can win games.
"I would like to think that's what we're trying to do at Rushall too by being hard to beat, but in Paul Szewczyk, Sean Dowdall and Gary Birch we have matchwinners ourselves."
