Rushall boss' player tribute
Rushall boss Paul Holleran has paid tribute to his players' professionalism for not being distracted by their FA Cup exploits.
Rushall boss Paul Holleran has paid tribute to his players' professionalism for not being distracted by their FA Cup exploits.
Olympic headed for Blue Square Premier side York City in the fourth and final qualifying round.
The Pics set up the biggest game in the club's history with victory over local rivals Hednesford Town at Dales Lane a fortnight ago.
But despite all the excitement since the draw handed them a trip to Kit Kat Crescent 12 days ago, Holleran has been impressed with the way his players have kept their feet on the floor.
It's resulted in further victories over Leek in the Birmingham Senior Cup and Mossley in the FA Trophy without conceding a goal.
And Holleran concedes he could not have asked any more from his men.
"The most pleasing thing about our FA Cup run and the publicity surrounding it is the way the lads have kept their eye on the ball," said Holleran, who welcomed the FA Cup, Villa star Zat Knight and television crews from Sky and the BBC to training on Thursday in the build up to the trip to Yorkshire.
"In the past it has been a problem for me at other clubs where the FA Cup has been a major distraction to league performances and other competitions.
"But here everyone has really stuck at it. After the Hednesford game we went to Leek, had an horrendous journey getting there and put in a thoroughly professional performance.
"Then last Saturday we went to Mossley, got stuck on the M6, got there late and put in another good display.
"It's up to the players now how long they want this run of good performances and wins to carry on.
"Mossley was a game we knew that if we played well we could win and we did just that, especially when we had some players out.
"The players are showing a lot of character, people are enjoying themselves and now we've not only had this good FA Cup run, but we're one game away from the first round proper of the FA Trophy too.
"Having said that, we're desperate for a league game because we've only played six. But I'll take that because it's a sign we've been successful in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.
"As much as it's a pain, it's the price you pay because at our level the two biggest competitions start in August and September and if you're still in them in October and November you've done well.
"What it will mean is that we'll have to knuckle down and play twice a week for a few weeks for a while."
It's the FA Trophy and a tie with Clitheroe next weekend for the Pics, but before then, FA Cup replay permitting, there's another big cup tie - this time with West Bromwich Albion in the second round of the Birmingham Senior Cup.
"It's another good draw for us," added Holleran.
"But if you told me we had to call it off on Wednesday I would take it because it means we've got an FA Cup replay."
