Stourbridge handed Black Country FA Cup derby with former boss returning
A look at all the first qualifying round fixtures involving our local teams.
Stourbridge have been drawn against Black Country rivals Rushall Olympic in a mouth-watering FA Cup first qualifying round tie.
Ian Long will make his return to the Glassboys, whom he previously managed, on Saturday, September 5, with both Southern League Premier Central sides entering the competition at this stage.
The winners will pocket £2,250 in prize money - a welcome boost for clubs at this level.
Stourbridge will be looking to replicate their victory over Rushall from just over a decade ago in the 2015/26 season, when they embarked on the first of two consecutive memorable FA Cup runs.
A third qualifying round victory over the Pics sent the Glassboys on their way to the second round, where they were eventually knocked out by Eastleigh.
This season marks the 10-year anniversary of Stourbridge’s best-ever FA Cup run, when they famously went one better than a year before and reached the third round.
The Glassboys beat Northampton Town 1-0 in the second round to reach the furthest stage in the club’s history before narrowly losing 2-1 at Wycombe Wanderers in the third round.
Rushall, meanwhile, reached the first round for the first time just two seasons ago, where they were beaten by Accrington Stanley.
Pics boss Long managed Stourbridge between May 2019 and February 2020. During that time, he led the Glassboys to the first round of the FA Cup where they were beaten in a replay by Eastleigh.
Both sides have made strong starts to their league campaigns this season. Rushall have won three of their opening four matches, while Stourbridge remain unbeaten with seven points from their first three games.
Elsewhere in the first qualifying round, Halesowen Town will host Basford United, while Stafford Rangers entertain Northampton On Chenecks.
Rangers have enjoyed a perfect start to the campaign, winning all of their matches and conceding just once.
Sporting Khalsa face a tough test at home to Leek Town, who play two levels above them, while Lye Town host Racing Club Warwick after thrashing Lichfield City 6-0 in Saturday’s preliminary round.
AFC Wolverhampton City, meanwhile, travel to Alvechurch.
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