RUSHALL OLY 2 HEDNESFORD 1

THIS local derby between two highflying teams certainly lived up to its billing as Rushall Olympic battled past Hednesford Town in a closely-fought encounter, coming from behind to win 2-1.

The hosts began with purpose, Alex Reid in particular causing problems and Jordan Fitzpatrick seeing an effort from distance dip just over the crossbar.

A neat move from The Pics on 15 minutes ended with Mikael Partodikromo’s teasing cross being headed just over his own crossbar by Lewis Wright.

It was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play on 19 minutes through George Carline’s backpost header after he had wasted a good chance just a minute earlier.

There was plenty of endeavour from both sides for the remainder of the opening period, although chances were at a premium with both defences standing firm.

It took just three minutes into the second half for Rushall to draw level when Dean Keates’ cross was headed on by Serigne Mor Diop into the path of Alex Reid, who made no mistake.

Skipper Joel Kettle was next to go close as he headed just over for the home side, before a counter-attack from the visitors saw Ashley Sammons’ low strike well gathered by Jose Veiga.

But it was substitute Stan Mugisha who provided the late drama, bursting through into the area before taking the ball around the ‘keeper to grab The Pics an 87th-minute winner and all three points.