Gary Hackett prays for more FA Cup magic

Gary Hackett has called on Stourbridge to produce another piece of FA Cup magic against Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow.

The Glassboys are aiming to reach the first round proper for the fourth time in seven seasons when they host their Midland rivals in a hotly-anticipated fourth qualifying round tie.

With Harriers sitting bottom of the National League Premier, having failed to win a game this term, many are tipping Hackett's men to triumph but the Stour boss insists his players will need to produce something special.

"We have to be underdogs – they are a professional club," he said.

"Maybe the gap is not as large as it was 12 years ago but we are still going to need a piece of magic to beat them.

"Let's make no mistake about it, they are a professional club and the top dogs in the neighbourhood."

The hosts are no stranger to FA Cup glory, having famously dumped Plymouth Argyle out of the competition at the first round stage in 2011.

But Hackett admits tomorrow's fixture with Harriers, the first meeting between the clubs in a major competition since 1983, is almost in a special category of its own.

"That is the magic of the FA Cup," he said. "There is going to be a big away following and it promises to be a great occasion.

"You could not have chosen a better tie. If you had to pick a team to play at home at this stage, Kidderminster Harriers would be the one."

Expectation was heightened last night by a visit of the FA Cup trophy to the War Memorial Ground, as home supporters queued up to buy the last remaining tickets for the game.

"We are looking forward to Saturday now," added Hackett. "There is going to be a lot of media hype, which is understandable.

"It is great for the club but one thing we never do is get carried away."