Skipper Niki Preston grabbed a late equaliser at Dales Lane as Rushall Olympic picked up an extremely useful point at home to the UniBond First Division South leaders.

The high-flying visitors forged into the lead on 19 minutes when a crossfield ball picked out Matthew Roney on the right. He had escaped the attentions of his marker and proceeded to stroke home from close range with consummate ease.

With five minutes remaining and time fast running out for the hosts, a concerted spell of pressure yielded a free-kick down the right.

Tim Jackson curled the ball into the area and defender Preston rose highest to plant the ball firmly past flat-footed goalkeeper Leigh Walker into the bottom corner from eight yards out.

On 87 minutes a big penalty appeal rang out as defender Paul Smith appeared to scythe down substitute Scott Stevenson in full flight, but the referee waved play on.

Rushall Olympic: Gemmell,  Starkey, Jackson, Preston, Smith, Amos (Jevons 57), Beckett, Maguire (Stevenson 69), May (Ramsey 90), Harris, Stephens.

Subs not used: Lowe, Robinson.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Wright, Davis (Cooksey 57), G. Smith, P. Smith,  Leonard, Roney, Thorpe, Cusworth, Longstaff (Jackson 78), Woolley (Eagers 64 ).

Attendance: 104