Ian Long eyes more FA Cup magic on his Stourbridge return

Ian Long has a knack for FA Cup magic - and he returns to former club Stourbridge this weekend hoping to conjure up some more.

His Rushall Olympic side travel to the Glassboys on Sunday for an intriguing first qualifying round tie.

During his spell in charge at the War Memorial Ground between May 2019 and February 2020, Long guided Stourbridge to the FA Cup first round, where they were beaten by Eastleigh in a replay.

A few years later, in the 2022/23 season, he famously led Alvechurch to their best-ever run in the competition, reaching the second round. Now he is hungry for more FA Cup success.

Reflecting on his time at Stourbridge, Long said: “I was a little bit surprised that I was sacked there, we were seventh in the table with a game-in-hand to move into the play-offs. I was disappointed.

“But I have had a good record at Stourbridge when I went back with Alvechurch and when they came to us. I am looking forward to it.

“It is probably still the best day in my footballing life when we went to Cheltenham Town with Alvechurch and beat them. They were in League One at the time.

“The competition can bring great memories. Some of our boys were involved in that win and run to the second round…hopefully their experience can be vital.”

Stourbridge will be hoping to draw on their own rich FA Cup history. The Glassboys beat Rushall at the third qualifying round stage in 2015/16 before embarking on a memorable run to the second round.

They went one better the following season, reaching the third round for the first time in the club’s history. Stourbridge boss Scott Adey-Linforth is relishing the “super Sunday” challenge ahead.

“Ian is a really good manager, I have never come up against him before, I am really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I think it will be our toughest game of the season so far. You look at all the local fixtures, we have definitely got the hardest one, and I think it is a good thing. It makes for a competitive tie.”

Meanwhile, Southern Central Premier rivals Halesowen Town welcome Basford United, with the Yeltz hoping to better their run to the third qualifying round last season. Stafford Rangers, meanwhile, welcome Northampton O.N. Chenecks.

In the Northern One West, Chasetown will look to make it three wins in a row when they travel to Clitheroe, while winless Lichfield City entertain Stalybridge Celtic.

In the National League, unbeaten in three, Kidderminster Harriers visit Wealdstone, while in the National League North, Hednesford Town host South Shields. The Pitmen are also unbeaten in four after a difficult start.