Blues Match Preview: Rushall Olympic v Chester FC

Calum McIntyre’s men will look to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches on Saturday, as they return to league action on the road at Rushall Olympic.

The Blues’ most recent success came at the Deva Stadium with a 3-0 victory over Hebburn Town in FA Cup, making it five home wins on the bounce.

Our opponents’ FA Cup campaign also got off to a flyer as Sheffield FC were swept aside by the Pics, who walked away with a 5-0 home win.

The Opponents

Despite two important home victories over Spennymoor Town and Marine, Rushall have made a slow start to their second National League North campaign and find themselves just inside the bottom four after eight games.

The side’s most recent league outing witnessed a disappointing 2-0 defeat away at Buxton, courtesy of goals from Tom Elliot and Connor Kirby.

Former boss Liam McDonald managed to keep Olympic afloat in their debut season at this level, as four wins from the club’s last seven culminated in a four-point cushion above the drop zone.

The Pics endured a high squad turnover in the summer, with the arrival of 19 players including Liam McAlinden, Nathan Cameron and Gerry McDonagh.

The Gaffer

Adam Stevens is the new manager at Dales Lane following the aforementioned departure of Mcdonald, who guided the club for over six years and oversaw great success including promotion to the sixth tier.

Stevens, who was appointed in May, has 19 years of managerial experience at the likes of Shepshed Dynamo, Grantham Town and Coalville Town.

The 49-year-old has enjoyed two spells at with the latter, stretching for a combined 13 years between 2007-2014, and 2018-2024.

During his tenure he led the Ravens to the FA Vase final, as well as promotion and consolidation at Step 4.

One to watch

Peterborough United loanee Roddy McGlinchey has impressed since joining up with the Pics in the summer, providing creativity to Stevens’ midfield options.

The 20-year-old netted the crucial opening goal in the club’s second win of the season over Marine, before Cameron McWilliams secured all three points after the interval.

McGlinchey has previously been sent on several loan spells from the League One club, featuring for AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Peterborough Sports and Coalville Town, where he first linked up with Stevens.

League form guide

Rushall Olympic | W2 D0 L6 | F9 A15 | Pos: 21st

Last three

Curzon Ashton (H) | L 1-2 | Scorers: Gerry McDonagh.

Marine (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Roddy McGlinchey, Cameron McWilliams.

Buxton (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None

Chester | W4 D2 L2 | F12 A9 | Pos: 4th

Last three

Peterborough Sports (H) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Charlie Caton, Harrison Burke, Tom Peers.

Kidderminster Harriers (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton.

South Shields (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Tom Peers.

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

Match Details

The game kicks off at 3pm at Dales Lane on Saturday.

The postcode for the stadium is WS4 1LJ.