Pics pick themselves up for Yeltz clash

Rushall Olympic will have to get over their 'devastating' midweek exit from the FA Trophy quickly as they prepare for a local derby at home to Halesowen Town.

The hosts will be hurting from their trophy exit as they lost 3-2 to Southern Premier League outfit Leamington after extra-time.

And Rushall's assistant manager Steve Hinks admitted his side would prefer to be focusing on other matters this weekend then hosting the Yeltz at Dales Lane in the Evo-Stik Premier.

He said: "We'd rather being playing Hednesford in the FA Trophy, there's no doubt about that, but if anything, losing has given us more confidence.

"It's probably some of the best football we've played this season and we can't wait to get going again and kick on."

Hinks was disappointed with the goals his side conceded against Leamington, but is looking to put the club's play-off ambitions back on track.

Malachi Lavelle-Moore, Joe Howell and Sam Humphreys are all in line to feature for the Pics.

Halesowen have signed young Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Shaun Rowley on loan to cover the absence of Daniel Platt.

Platt sustained a detached retina, after being hit in the face by the ball last weekend, just days after Matt Sargeant had left for Alvechurch.

Yeltz chairman Colin Brookes said: "It will be a tough game for us at Rushall, because they have a good mix of experience and exciting young players.

"I watched them against Leamington in the week and they were very unlucky – Leamington just scored at the right times."