Tough cup test for Glassboys

Stourbridge boss Gary Hackett reckons his side couldn't have been handed a much tougher task in the Cups this season.

The Glassboys have been give home ties against Kings Lynn and Gloucester City in the FA Cup and FA Trophy respectively - both of which represent stiff tests for Hackett's men.

Both Kings Lynn and Gloucester are one tier above Stourbridge in the Southern League Premier division, and Hackett is relishing the chance to test his side against teams higher up the pyramid.

"They are both tough asks for us - I don't think we could have got much more difficult draws in either," Hackett said.

"Kings Lynn are a good side who we nearly drew in the Errea Cup last season. They're playing at a higher level and I'm sure they'll bring a few to Stourbridge and it'll be a good cup tie.

"But teams like that are there to be beaten and that is the magic of the FA Cup. It is a competition we take very seriously and I'm sure the boys will be up for it."

The Glassboys have been boosted by finally completing the loan signing of striker Keith Russell from Bromsgrove Rovers.

The on-off saga began last month when Rovers agreed to loan former professional Russell to the Glassboys - only to call him back because of injuries.

But Bromsgrove boss Ross Brown has now agreed to loan the forward to Stourbridge with no recall so he can get games.

"We're delighted to have Keith on board. He has a good pedigree and this deal is a good one for us. We're hopeful he'll be able to get us some goals," Hackett said.

Meanwhile, the Stourbridge boss believes his side have 'turned a corner' after their disappointing start to the season.

"I always said we were not far away from turning a poor start into a run of wins and that is how it has turned out.

"Even when we were losing games we were still creating chances so I never panicked," he said.