Grantham Town 5 Rushall Olympic 3 - Report
The Pics exited the Buildbase FA Trophy with a 5-3 defeat at the hands of ten-man Grantham Town.
It was Rushall who took the lead in the 13th minute when Jonathan Letford linked up well with the returning Levi Rowley who fired home.
The advantage was doubled soon afterwards when Rowley hit another powerful low strike that skidded across the wet surface and beyond the reach of the ‘keeper.
It sparked the home side into life and they were able to reduce the arrears when pinball in the area saw Rob Atkinson force the ball over the line for a scrappy goal.
Within a minute it was 2-2 when a strike was saved by Jon Flatt and Adam Smith reacted quickest to the loose ball to level matters.
The drama continued as then home side were reduced to ten men late in the opening period when Karl Byrne was given a straight red card.
The Pics regained the lead early in the second half when Reece Flanagan notched his first goal for the club with a low effort that found its way through the keeper.
On the hour it was 3-3 when Smith’s cross was headed home powerfully by Remaye Campbell.
It was end-to-end stuff with both sides having chances before Craig Westcarr gave the home side the lead for the first time.
Despite late pressure from The Pics, the home side were able to add a fifth from the penalty spot as Westcarr guided the ball home to see his side through.
