Rushall Olympic booked their place in the Third Round Qualifying of The FA Trophy with a five star performance against Stratford Town.
In a comprehensive victory, the Northern Premier League side ran out as comfortable winners on Saturday, putting five unanswered goals past their opponents.
Aaron Williams, who began his career with Walsall, was the team’s star performer as he bagged himself a hat-trick and the match ball.
The FA Trophy
Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 15 November 2014
Winners receive £3250 from prize fund
By Simon Collings
Carlton McKenzie and Aaron Farrell also got themselves on the scoresheet as Rushall impressively overcame a Stratford side who had won 14 of their previous 15 games.
There were plenty of goals throughout Saturday’s ties as teams from across the country aimed to take another step towards to Wembley.
Peacehaven & Telscombe and Thamesmead Town’s match was one tie in particular that had plenty of goals and drama.
With just 12 minutes remaining, after being 3-2 down, it looked as though Thamesmead had salvaged themselves a replay through Leslie Thompson’s strike.
But in the 90th-minute, former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joe Gatting scored a penalty for Peacehaven & Telscombe to secure a stunning 4-3 victory for the home side.
One side still going strong in The FA Cup is Blyth Spartans, but while they may be through to the Second Round Proper of that tournament, the Northumberland side will need a replay to progress in The FA Trophy.
Their match against Halesowen Town had got off to the perfect start, when Robbie Dale put them 1-0 up with his 135th goal for the club - an effort which makes him the joint third highest ever scorer in Blyth’s history.
However, an 89th-minute equaliser from Halesowen means that Blyth now face a trip away from home in their replay.
While Blyth may have stuttered in their Second Round Qualifying clash, another high-profile side safely booked their place in the next round as FC United of Manchester defeated Buxton 2-0 in front of a vocal home crowd of 1,002.
In a tight match, it was thanks to a brace from Matt Wolfenden that the Northern Premier League continue their run in The FA Trophy.
