The “Number 9 Derby” is always one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the season, and this one is sure to be no different, despite the shadow of the looming Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie against National League side Macclesfield Town threatening to upstage the game.

Whilst Stourbridge extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions with Monday night’s last gasp 2-1 home win against Coalville Town, the Yeltz had to wait a further 24 hours for their midweek game and they were forced to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw at Barwell, thanks to Jack Kelly’s direct free kick equaliser 19 minutes from time.

However, the draw was not enough to lift the Yeltz from the foot of the table where they remain two points adrift of Rushall Olympic with nine points from 14 games. The Glassboys apart, times appear tough for the West Midlands contingent, as Sutton Coldfield Town occupy the other bottom three spot. Only one team will be relegated this season and from a local perspective we hope that all three can pick their form up and maintain their status at this level.

Meanwhile, other results on Tuesday evening meant that Stour slipped from the second place claimed on Monday night back down to third, just three points behind leaders Shaw Lane, who won 3-1 at Mickleover Sports to continue their fine start to the season. Warrington Town returned to second thanks to a 5-1 win at home to Lancaster City, whilst Altrincham moved ominously up to fourth with a 5-1 win of their own at home to Nantwich Town. Farsley Celtic, who did not play this midweek, complete the top five.

Halesowen have won two and drawn three of their 14 matches to date, with their only wins coming at home to Barwell (1-0) and at Grantham Town (2-1), a result which should serve as a warning to Gary Hackett’s men to take absolutely nothing for granted this weekend. Local derbies being what they are, form and recent results will count for nothing on Saturday.

The Yeltz’s FA Cup fortunes were no better, going down 0-3 at home to Step 4 Basford United in the First Qualifying Round to dash hopes of a long run in the competition. Incidentally, by coincidence Basford will be on our radar this Saturday as well as they meet Peterborough Sports in the Buildbase FA Trophy Preliminary Round for the right to visit the War Memorial Ground in the First Qualifying Round at the end of this month.

Stourbridge held the edge in meetings between the teams last season, although we had to fight back from a two-goal deficit inside the first five minutes in the corresponding fixture at Amblecote. Lee Chilton and Kyle Morrison established what looked a commanding lead as Stourbridge looked uncharacteristically shaky, but Luke Benbow brought the Glassboys back into the game before the break from the penalty spot and then earned us a point midway through the second half with a curler from 20 yards that Daniel Platt got a hand to but could not keep out.

Benbow was again on the mark in the return fixture at The Grove, heading home early in the piece from Tom Tonks’ corner, and that proved to be the only goal of the night, despite Chilton rattling Matt Gould’s crossbar during the second half.

Unsurprisingly, both sides are likely to feature one another’s “old boys” on Saturday. The Halesowen squad includes former Stourbridge men Lee Chilton, James Spray and Roland Agbor, whilst Matt Dodd, Aaron Forde, Stuart Pierpoint and Tom Tonks have all spent time at the Yeltz, as have both Gary Hackett and Jon Ford, of course.

Saturday’s match coincides with this season’s “Non-League Day”, and we hope to see a few unfamiliar faces giving Non-League a go while their Premier League and Football League teams take a break. For anybody planning a first visit to the War Memorial Ground here is our matchday guide…

Stourbridge FC - Matchday Information for Spectators

The Glassboys bar will be open as usual before and after Saturday’s match, whilst our marquee bar will also be open behind the Church End goal.

Kick-off at the War Memorial Ground is at 3.00 pm.

ADMISSION PRICES

Tickets are NOT on sale in advance of Saturday’s match. Admission for all spectators will be “pay on the day”.

Our normal admission prices will apply, as follows:

Adults - £10
Concessions - £7
13 to 18 yrs - £5
Under 13s – Free
(with paying adult, concession or 16 to 18 yr old)

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

After three consecutive home fixtures, Stour are back on the road next Tuesday evening, 10th October, when we travel to Nantwich Town for an Evo-Stik Premier fixture. Kick-off at the Weaver Stadium is at 7.45 pm. Travel details can be found at the following link:

Travel to Nantwich Town – Tuesday 10th October

Our next home game will be on Saturday 14th October, when our visitors will be Macclesfield Town in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup. As things stand, kick-off is expected to be at 3.00 pm, although this is still to be fully confirmed, as are matchday arrangements. Please keep an eye on the website and social media over the coming days for more information.

YOUTH TEAM & ACADEMY

The Youth Team are at home again next Monday, 9th October, when they will again be facing local rivals, this time in the shape of Lye Town in the Joel Richards Memorial Cup (Birmingham County Youth Cup). Kick-off is at 7.45 pm.

Meanwhile, our Academy youngsters will be at home to Stratford Town on Wednesday 11th October in the National League Under 19 Alliance. Kick-off is at 2.00 pm and entry is free.

STOURBRIDGE LADIES

The Glassgirls are at home this Sunday against Solihull Sporting, looking to build on their first win of the season away to Rugby Town Ladies last weekend. Kick-off is at 2.00 pm at Greenfields, Swinford Road, Oldswinford DY8 2LQ. Admission is FREE.

EVO-STIK PREMIER FIXTURES – SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER

Altrincham v Rushall Olympic
Barwell v Shaw Lane
Buxton v Marine
Farsley Celtic v Nantwich Town
Grantham Town v Stafford Rangers
Hednesford Town v Witton Albion
Mickleover Sports v Ashton United
Stalybridge Celtic v Matlock Town
STOURBRIDGE v Halesowen Town
Sutton Coldfield Town v Lancaster City
Warrington Town v Whitby Town
Workington v Coalville Town