RUSHALL OLYMPIC RETAIN SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP

Rushall Olympic successfully defended their Senior Challenge Cup title in a tightly contested final against Leek Town, prevailing with a narrow 1-0 victory.

The early exchanges saw Leek Town pressing forward, utilising crosses into the box, but Rushall Olympic's defence remained resolute, winning aerial duels and denying any clear-cut chances. However, Rushall soon found an opportunity as Farmer broke through on goal in the 6th minute, only to be thwarted by an excellent save from Visser in the Leek goal.

As the game progressed, both teams showed glimpses of attacking prowess, with Rushall enjoying more possession but finding it difficult to carve out significant chances. Against the run of play, Leek Town nearly took the lead in the 22nd minute, hitting the crossbar following a well-executed cross from the right.

The first half finished with neither side able to break the deadlock, despite some promising moments. However, the second half sparked into life early on when Rushall was awarded a penalty in the 48th minute for a handball by Liam Buckey. Alex Fletcher calmly converted the spot-kick to give Rushall the lead in the 60th minute.

Leek Town responded with vigour, with Thomas Carr particularly lively down the right flank, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Rushall's defence. Stevenson came close to equalising for Leek on multiple occasions, with two efforts narrowly missing the target.

In the dying moments of the game, Rushall had a late scare as Leek pressed for an equaliser, but they held firm to secure victory. Rico Browne was awarded the Man of the Match for his commanding performance in Rushall's defence.