Integero Cup: Hednesford Town 2 Rushall Olympic 0 - Report
The Pitmen's Integero Cup clash with Rushall Olympic had the added interest of Liam McDonald returning with the Pics to Keys Park nearly a year after his departure for Solihull.
His involvement tonight was to watch his new side with John Allen and Trevor Burroughs taking charge in the dugout out.
A much changed Pitmen line-up featuring several players out of position made a strong start to the game and shaded the opening exchanges.
The break through came in the 18th minute following some patient build up play around the Rushall area, culminating in Jordan Graham curling a shot in from the edge of the box.
Hednesford should have increased their lead a couple of minutes later when Joey Butlin held the ball up, allowing the lively Graham to provide a cross for Steele whose close range shot was blocked.
Skipper Tom Thorley, filling in at right back, came close to adding to the score lifting the ball over the advancing Jaquil Hill but was thwarted by a goal line clearance.
Both sides made changes for the second half with Glover replacing Steele for the Pitmen, and Wall and Hail entering the fray for the Pics.
Despite the changes the game continued in a similar fashion to the first half. Although a spell of possession from Rushall did lead to an appeal for a penalty which was turned down by the referee.
The game was settled as a contest by the impressive Graham's second goal.
This time he collected a long pass into the area and from the left of the box calmly lifted his shot over Jacquil Hill and into the net.
Late on a charge down the right from Thorley played in Ross Haig who, on his debut, attempted to go round the keeper but Hill was first to the ball.
A comfortable win and a solid team performance from Hednesford against a disappointing Rushall side.
