Glassboys eye another upset

It was in October 2015 that the Glassboys romped to a 3-0 Cup win over a Harriers side heading for relegation from the National League Premier Division – before also dumping them out of the FA Trophy two months later.

But with Kidderminster now firmly established as one of the top promotion contenders in National North, Stourbridge boss Gary Hackett is anticipating a much more difficult test than three years ago.

“You could probably say it was a very good time to play them and they ended up two very comfortable wins,” said the Glassboys boss. “They are in a much healthier position now.

“I expect a very tough game – they are flying high and have some good players, but if we are at our best and they are slightly off, we could cause an upset.”

Stourbridge went on to reach the second round that season – eventually losing to Eastleigh – and famously reached the third round a year later when they knocked out League One Northampton Town and pushed Wycombe Wanderers all the way in a 2-1 defeat.

Harriers’ recent Cup history is less glittering – since reaching the fourth round in 2013/14, they have only been back to the first round twice.

However, they are in fine form in the league, having won six of their last seven matches in all competitions – that one defeat to Chester the only reverse they have suffered this season.

Stourbridge – who ended an inconsistent 2017/18 on a high by lifting the Birmingham Senior Cup for the first time in 50 years – are also back fighting towards the top of their league.

One division lower than Harriers, the Glassboys are unbeaten in eight Southern Central matches.

“We’ve got to keep the momentum going,” added Hackett. “We’ll have a big crowd at the War Memorial Ground and we have everything to win.”

The match comes too soon for defender Jack Duggan, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.