Promising start for Pics with favourable cup ties

By mbeardmore

RUSHALL Olympic boss Neil Kitching has earmarked a cup run as one of his top priorities after the FA Cup and FA Trophy draws were made this week.

The Pics will face a preliminary round trip to either Brocton or Shifnal – two and one leagues below Rushall respectively – on August 29.

If they come through that test, a visit to Coventry Sphinx, Bromyard Town or Stourport Swifts awaits.

The UniBond South side have been given a home draw in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round. They will host Wakefield or Carlton Town at Dales Lane on October 3.

And despite being keen to improve on last season's league performance – when Rushall finished fifth and lost in the play-off semi-finals – Kitching insists the cups are just as important.

Kitching said: "I'm happy with both draws – with the cup because, no disrespect to Brocton or Shifnal, but I would expect us to get a result against them.

"We've got Richard Brown and Ben Jeavons in from Shifnal so they will be buzzing about that one if they get through.

"And I'm happy with the trophy draw because it's at home, although Wakefield or Carlton will be tough.

"The cups are massively important for us, especially the FA Cup, because it raises revenue for the club.

"It generates money and also creates local interest, which is what Rushall needs.

"If we can get a decent draw at home and get 200 or 300 people in then do well, then maybe they will come back again."

There have been a number of changes at Rushall with Dave Haywood, Niki Preston (both Atherstone), top scorer Nathan Lamey, goalkeeper Tony Breeden (both Sutton Coldfield) and Craig Marshall (Chasetown) all leaving.

However, Kitching has brought in James Dance and Chris Charles from his old club Coleshill plus Jeavons and Brown from Shifnal, Scott Stevenson from Willenhall and goalkeeper Chris Gemmill from Sutton.

And of last season's squad skipper Lee Barrow, Gary Knight, Grant Beckett, Karl Johnson, Chris Hanna and Gary Fitzpatrick have all re-signed.

Elsewhere in the FA Cup draw, Willenhall Town could be set for a reunion with former boss Dean Edwards at the First Round qualifying stage.

They will travel to Edwards' Hednesford Town but only if Willenhall get through their preliminary round tie at either Pegasus Juniors or Ellesmere Rangers.

If Walsall Wood get through their extra preliminary round game at Dudley Town they would then face tough home ties against Bromsgrove Rovers and Stourbridge. The FA Trophy draw has given Willenhall a trip to UniBond Premier side Ossett Town.

In the FA Vase, Pelsall Villa visit Wolverhampton Casuals and Sporting Khalsa entertain Goodrich.