New Stourbridge boss Scott Adey-Linforth confident of survival after unbeaten start
Scott Adey-Linforth has backed Stourbridge to avoid the drop as he looks to extend his impressive unbeaten start since taking charge.
After a difficult start to the campaign, the Glassboys are now flying up the form table, unbeaten in their last five Southern Central Premier matches ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Leiston.
That run includes a 5-0 midweek victory over Quorn, a result which has moved Stourbridge to the brink of climbing out of the relegation zone. And it has been a dream first month in charge for Adey-Linforth.
"It's been really encouraging," he said. "I said to the lads, I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't think we could get out of trouble.
"You've got some really good players there in, Darryl has built a really strong squad. There's a real togetherness there, and for all the tough periods they've been through together, you can tell they're still together and still fighting.
"We've had a really good start. But we've got a lot of work to do, but there's definitely lots of positives to take out from the first games I've been a part of.
"This league is relentless. But, we aren't scared of anyone and we back ourselves against anyone in this league, as we've proven. We'll give it our all and we're up for a scrap with whoever wants it."
Adey-Linforth is no stranger to the Glassboys, having previously held several roles at the club between 2013 and 2024.
He returned with Stourbridge seven points adrift of safety. They now sit level on points with Alvechurch, who occupy the position just outside the relegation zone.
Adey-Linforth added: "I tallied up the amount of points I still left to play for, and I said, look, this season is not over yet and far from done. And from what I've seen, what I can see in front of me, there's some real talent there.
"We've got players that can score goals. We've got players that can stop goals. I think all the tough periods they've been through and all the tough moments they've had this season, I think it's built them a real resilience and strengthened their character."
Elsewhere, fourth-placed Halesowen Town welcome Royston Town looking to secure their third consecutive win.
In the Northern Premier, league-leaders Hednesford Town visit Stockton Town while 15th-placed Rushall Olympic host basement side Stocksbridge Park Steels.
In the National league North, Kidderminster Harriers welcome Worksop Town looking to claim their seventh straight league win.
