Pics Progress in Trophy

Barwell exited the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday with a 4-1 defeat away at Rushall Olympic. Despite levelling the game in the 53rd minute and, up to the hour mark, matching the Pics it was a second defeat in a week for the Canaries.

It was, perhaps, the best first half of the season for Barwell and it started well for them with a number of crosses from the right hand side looked to be an effective way to goal. Jahvan Davidson-Miller had a couple and James Rowland, a real highlight of the season, battled well to create his own as well. There wasn't anyone able to convert these crosses but the Canaries looked threatening.

Jamie Ashmore went down twice in the box as Barwell continued to press. This led to loud shouts for a penalty but nothing was given and Barwell's recent frustration with officials continued.

Rushall began to impose themselves as the game past the 15 minute mark and a couple of free kicks and long throws looked to cause the Barwell defence problems. It was one of these that led to an unfortunate own goal when a Barwell defender flicked a long throw from the left past the stranded Liam Castle in goal. It was largely undeserved for Rushall but summed up the Barwell lack of luck this season. There was only 21 minutes on the clock so still plenty of time for Guy Hadland's men to get themselves back in the game.

They almost did this when Ashmore, one of the most committed players on the pitch, crossed well from the right hand side with Davidson-Miller and Brady Hickey in the box. Neither could connect properly with the cross and the chance went begging.

Half Time: Rushall Olympic 1 Barwell 0

Barwell, as so often recently, started the second half strongly. Kai Williams, out on the right at the start of the half, managed to create a shooting opportunity for himself when he cut inside and launched the ball towards Flatt in the Rushall goal. Rowland then forced a corner as Barwell began to build momentum.

That momentum yielded a goal on 53 minutes when the magic boots of Sam Hollis poked the ball home from close range. Rowland had managed to break free on the left and took a shot which Flatt saved. His save only went as far as a Barwell player who then found WIlliams just inside the area and free. Williams didn't connect well when he shot but did manage to find Hollis who converted past the two defenders on the line.

Just five minutes later Rushall were back in front with a goal that turned the tide of the half and helped lead Rushall to victory. Despite the good start by Barwell, Rushall managed to cut through them with a team goal that flowed from one end of the pitch to the other. Chekaine Steele cushioned a deft flick into Rackeem Reid and he made a precise left footed finish across the Castle into the far corner.

Flatt made a couple of good saves in the mid-part of the half stopping a Davidson-Miller shot and a Hickey free kick well but Rushall added to their lead on 73 minutes when a penalty was awarded. Liam Castle, making a first appearance of the season in goal, dragged down Calder in the box and Sam Whittall dispatched the penalty with no problem.

Barwell tried to push for more goals but Rushall added a 4th goal 2 minutes before the 90 was up when Danny Glover smashed the ball home from close range having come on as a sub. That was the last goal and Rushall progressed through to the next round with their deserved win and the very fine Barwell away following was left with another defeat to ponder.

Full Time: Rushall Olympic 4 Barwell 1

Attendance: 308