Rushall Olympic 2 Nantwich Town 0

NANTWICH fell at the first hurdle in the FA Trophy as they were beaten at Rushall in their first qualifying round tie.

Sam Hall’s red card ultimately cost the Dabbers as goals from Joe Hull and Richard Brodie sealed their fate.

Dave Cooke’s side had the better of the first half, with Harry Clayton curling an effort against the post before Toby Mullarkey saw his powerful effort superbly saved by the Rushall keeper.

However, once Hall was dismissed for a strong challenge on home midfielder Sam Whittall, the tide began to turn.

Hull opened the scoring on the stroke of half time, leaping highest to head home Jordan Sangha’s corner.

Nantwich stayed in the game in a cagey second period until Mullarkey conceded a penalty by fouling Brodie, who picked himself up to beat Will Jaaskelainan from the spot and seal defeat for the Dabbers.

Tuesday’s scheduled home game against Warrington Town has been postponed to allow Cooke’s side ample time to prepare for their FA Cup first round trip to League Two side Stevenage on Saturday, kick off 3pm.