Rushall Olympic 1 Worcester City 1

City's final run out before facing Altrincham in the season’s opener, would provide a stern physical battle as was evident from the off.

Rushall lined up with experienced Dele Adebola fronting their attack and it was not long before his strength instigated a period of early Rushall pressure leaving Worcester slightly unsettled.

Approaching the ten minute mark, Worcester began to embrace the physicality of the game. Aaron Williams was the first to test Lewis Solley in the Rushall goal, as he fired in a shot from a tight angle forcing a good save and producing a corner.

Moments later a clever run from Daniel Nti to latch on to a Tom Thorley through ball, looked to leave him clean through on goal, it was the offside flag that was to thwart him this time.

Nti would not have to wait long for his next chance as Citys direct passing left him through on goal once more. Solley was quick off his line to snuff out the chance giving Nti little time to work an angle.

The game was in the balance at the 20 minute mark, yet it was Worcester’s superior passing that carried more of an attacking threat. Thorley and Danny Glover combined to carve out an opening, but Thorley sliced his shot.

Rushall were to maintain their dogged abuse of the referee after a throw-in decision went Worcester’s way. However the official would not need convincing to point to the spot, after Deale Chamberlain was left isolated bringing Adebola down. Liam Spink stepped up to calmly convert, making it Rushall 1-0 Worcester with just under half an hour played.

The goal did not quell Worcester’s threat however it gave Rushall an added momentum heading towards the break.

Elliot Turner was substituted after taking a blow to the eye and Danny Williams got the nod to replace him.

Ashley Sammons slotted a lovely pass through the centre for Aaron Williams but the offside flag was to frustrate City once again.

Rushall finished off the half unlucky not to double their lead. Dave Walkers shot tested Chamberlain once more before Rich Munday’s clearance was closed down to leave Rushall a man over in the box. A better pass would have gifted Walker a golden chance to slot home.

Rushall looked to attack from the off allowing Worcester to utilise their pace on the break. With 52 minutes gone an Aaron Williams cross into a dangerous area was met by the outstretched leg of Jimmy Turner as he looked to clear, putting the ball into his own net and levelling the score at 1-1.

Rushall could have cancelled out the equaliser as their attack from the kick off gave Kyle Haynes a free header 8 yards out, but his effort flew harmlessly over the bar. This confirmed Worcester could not afford to take their foot of the gas.

Tom Thorley installed his dominance in the middle of the park and floated a central free kick to Munday who headed dangerously across goal, no one was there for City to provide the crucial touch.

It was Thorley again who was to begin a dangerous move, as his ball through forced Solley to come out of goal and head clear to beat the on-rushing Nti.

Rushall still committed men forward in search of a second, but Worcester for the most part looked comfortable soaking up the pressure.

Perhaps testament to the nature of the game there was a scuffle in the middle of the park on the 80 minute mark. It was short lived as players from both sides resolved the situation without providing much of a headache for the referee.

Substitute Michael Nelson showed some fancy footwork to work an opening with 5 left on the clock but his cross lacked direction.

Rushall rounded off the chances with a corner headed just wide by Walker, their aerial capabilities perhaps causing city the biggest problems.

After the full time whistle Manager Carl Heeley confirmed that the physical test was one he deliberately wanted to expose his team too.

‘We took the friendly because we knew they were going to be very direct physically and verbally and that’s something we’ll need to adapt to.

I thought we dealt with them very well and more than matched them in every department’

In terms of the approaching season’s expectations, Heeley confirmed they would not be getting carried away.

‘We won’t be setting any targets. We know it’s going to be tough, pre-season has been solid and know we need to compete in every game.’

Teams

Rushall Olympic.

L. Solley, K. Haynes, Z. Martin, G. Caines, W. Daniel, J. Turner, N. Downes, L. Spink, D. Adebola, D. Walker, L. Bottomer. Subs: D. Ravenhill (56), C. Bannister (56), M. Wood (73), R. Stephens (75) .Yasser (78).

Worcester City

D. Chamberlain, E. Turner, E. Deeney, T. Thorley, G, Hutchison, R. Munday, L Hubbins, A Sammons, D. Nti, D. Glover, A. Willaims. Subs: D. Williams (37), C. Flanagan, (73) M Nelson (78), A Walker (73), M Sargeant.

Report by: Kelly Holliday WCFC Match Reporter