Halesowen Town v Stourbridge: Survival at stake in the No.9 derby
Halesowen Town boss John Hill insists there is a lot more at stake than just bragging rights as they host rivals Stourbridge in the No.9 derby.
It promises to be a wholehearted, high-energy encounter in front of an expected crowd of around 2,000 at The Grove.
The Yeltz would love to complete the double over their fierce rivals – after beating them 2-1 at the War Memorial Ground in October – to boost their chances of Evo-Stik Premier survival.
Hill’s charges are currently six points clear of Sutton Coldfield Town, who occupy the only relegation spot, and three more would go a long way to finishing the job.
“It’ll be a tall order, we’re aware of that,” said Hill.
“But we’re going into it on the back of a big win. We’re in good shape.
“There’s a lot more at stake than just the derby. It’s all about survival for us, making sure that we stay in this division.”
Stour – who are 12th after losing last term’s play-off final – did Halesowen a big favour on Monday night, beating Sutton 2-1 thanks to a late own goal from Lee Smith.
The Yeltz, 24 hours later, won 3-2 at Witton Albion thanks to a stoppage-time winner from ex-Albion star Lee Hughes.
“We went to Witton, a form team chasing for the play-offs, and got the three points, which was brilliant,” said Hill.
“We went up there on the coach, got there quite late, and then Hughesy comes on and sets up our second before scoring the winner.”
Hill was keen to praise Hughes for the impact he has made since signing a few weeks ago – and the enthusiasm the striker still has.
“We were crying out for someone with Lee’s experience, it’s invaluable,” he said.
“Nothing fazes him and, at 41, he still loves the game. His enthusiasm rubs off on everybody.
“We’re six points ahead of Sutton now with a far superior goal difference, so it’s more like seven. But we know how quick things can turn around.”
The big clash gets its name from the bus service that runs between the two towns.
Halesowen have announced, after flares were let off in the reverse fixture, stewards will be conducting random searches on entry. Fans are urged to arrive extra early because of those stop-checks.
There will also be a video recording of the crowd taking place to identify any potential troublemakers, and police in and around the ground throughout the afternoon.
Hill fully supports those measures, and added: “There’s been a few stupid incidents in the past.
“Let’s hope nothing silly happens off the pitch and we put in a top performance on the pitch.”
You could argue a win would be of more importance to Yeltz chief Hill, but Glassboys gaffer Gary Hackett is desperate to secure all three points from their near neighbours.
“From Halesowen’s point of view, it is their cup final again,” said Hackett.
“They’ve got a battle for survival and I do believe they’ll do it.
“We’ve got to go there. We were flying at the time we played them at home but they got two breakaway goals and hung onto it.
“That was a bitterly disappointing day.
“It’s one that we’re looking forward to.”