'Go to war' - Stourbridge boss fired up for No.9 derby showdown with Halesowen
Boss Scott Adey-Linforth is fired up to continue Stourbridge's revival and "go to war" with fierce rivals Halesowen Town in the No.9 derby.
Stourbridge climbed out of the Southern Central Premier relegation zone midweek as their upturn continued with victory at Alvechurch.
The Glassboys visit local rivals Halesowen in the famous No.9 derby tomorrow, named after the bus route between the two Black Country towns, looking to continue their resurgence and gain revenge for defeat in the reverse fixture last November.
"It would be unreal," boss Adey-Linforth said. "Their fans are superb, the atmosphere is going to be electric and to go and turn them over in their own backyard would be something.
"It’s going to be a difficult ask, but we aren’t scared of anybody. I love going to someone else’s backyard and going to war.
"It means everything. It’s the first first game that we look for when the fixtures come out.
"I know I have only come in midway through the season, but I have been a Stourbridge man for so long and part of these games - the spectacle is massive.
"It’s a huge game for both towns. It means so much to so many people. For me, it’s the biggest derby in non-league football and I can’t wait for it.
"You have got to accept what the occasion is. From a preparation perspective nothing changes, the challenge is to stay focused and stick to the game plan.
"When you have got 2,500 to 3,000 people there, it’s tough, but it is a great occasion to be involved in."
A bumper crowd is expected at The Grove as play-off chasing Halesowen look to bounce back from defeat at Bishop's Stortford last Saturday.
Russell Penn's side had scored 10 goals in two wins prior to that loss and currently sit a point behind the play-off places.
Penn said: "It’s the bragging rights, but this game has something extra about it as well - we are vying to get into the play-offs and Stourbridge are looking to steer clear of relegation. There is a lot more on it than previously.
"I know Scott well, he has gone in and gone back to basics, stripped it back, got them hard-working. We have got to be on it, like we do in every game.
"It is no different in terms of 11 vs 11, but what comes with this is a huge crowd with bragging rights."
Elsewhere, in the Northern Premier League, title-chasing Hednesford Town travel to Bamber Bridge looking for back-to-back wins, while Rushall Olympic welcome Whitby Town.
In the National League North, fourth-placed Kidderminster Harriers visit Buxton looking for a third straight league win and to go five games unbeaten.
