A fortunate first half strike summed up St Ives Town’s bad luck for most of this season as their fight for step three survival faltered. 

Andre Landell netted the winner for hosts Rushall Olympic on March 25 when his mis-hit cross-shot on 27 minutes flew past goalkeeper Eddie Brearey and into the top corner. 

Brearey was unable to back-pedal quickly enough or push off powerfully enough to get a hand on Landell’s effort. 

But Ives’ luck was out before then as Brearey, who signed from Oxford United, was replaced by defender Ben Toseland at half-time after picking up an injury in this Southern League Premier Division Central clash. 

Ives did create a couple of first half chances when Ashton Fox’s effort deflected wide, while Charlie Johnson failed to keep his shot down from a corner. 

The visitors could have equalised in almost identical style to Rushall’s goal on 60 minutes when Greg Kaziboni’s attempted cross floated over home ‘keeper Jacob Weaver but bounced over the crossbar. 

Toseland was forced into action in the second half when he blocked Sam Mantom’s effort as his defence continued to work hard. 

And two late corners, as well as Johnny Herd’s efforts into the penalty box, nearly earned a point for Ives but they failed to create a clear-cut opportunity. 

That defeat to the Pics has left Ricky Marheineke’s men hovering above the relegation zone as their winless run, stretching nine games since a 3-2 victory at home to Hitchin Town, continues. 

St Ives prepare to face the current top two within a week, starting with Coalville Town’s visit to Quattro-Tech Westwood Road on April 1, 3pm. 

St Ives Town: Brearey (sub Toseland, 46’), Casey, Herd, Richens (C), J. Williams, Fox, Baker (sub Johnston, 85’), Harris, Shariff, Kaziboni (sub Higgs, 70’), Johnson. Unused subs: Edwards, Hottor.