Hednesford Town suffered a Boxing Day defeat at Dales Lane to in-form Rushall Olympic in Danny Glover’s first game in charge of the Pitmen. With former Barwell manager Guy Hadland named as Glover’s assistant and former skipper Tom Thorley rejoining the club, hopes were high before the game,

A even opening 30 minutes saw few scoring opportunities as the sides were fairly evenly matched in terms of possession. Niah Payne, on his Pitmen debut, hit the crossbar in the first clear cut chance of the afternoon. However, moments later Will Shorrock played a ball into the visitor’s box, allowing former Pitman Andre Landell to shoot past Adam Clayton giving the Pics the lead in the 37th minute. The home side’s lead was doubled before the half time break when skipper Sam Mantom headed home at the far post from a free kick.

HT 2-0

The Pitmen were unable to fight back in the second half despite the 65th minute introduction of player-manager Glover. Although possession remained roughly shared it was the home side who had a greater cutting edge in the final third of the pitch. A good team move involving Shorrock and Callum Coyle allowed Sam Whittall to add a third in the 84th minute. In reply Glover shot inches wide and Pics keeper Jacob Weaver made an outstanding save in the final minutes to thwart any remaining glimmer of hope for Hednesford Town.

Rushall Olympic; Weaver, Green, Mitchell, Fletcher, Brown, Whittall, Shorrock, Mantom, Landell (Riley 89), Coyle (Daly 89), Masidi (Hughes 89). Sub not used; Cameron

Hednesford Town; Clayton, Hartley, Portman, Thorley, Lowe (Hewlett 79), Ison (Redfern 46), Bennett (Glover 65), Parker, Lita, Payne, Livingstone. Subs not used; Derricott, Williams