Stourbridge eye win to get into play-off spots

The Glassboys sit sixth in the Southern Central Premier, but are level on points with Rushall Olympic, who occupy the final play-off spot in fifth.

On Tuesday night they fell to a 2-1 defeat away at Lowestoft Town, who are 16th in the league.

“It was disappointing not to get something from the game on Tuesday with the chances we had,” Long said.

“We deserved at least a point which would have been a good result after travelling there in midweek.”

Despite that loss, Stourbridge are still in a strong position with three games in hand over Rushall.

And with mid-table Banbury up next – who haven’t won in five games – Long is looking for his side to seize their chance.

“We still have James Wren out injured and Alex Nicholls will need a fitness test so we’re not sure about him, but the rest of the squad is ready,” he added.

“It will be a tough game against an organised side.

“They set up with a deep defence at our place, but it remains to be seen if they’ll do that at home.

“They defended deep and played on the counter attack.

“Well have to be careful of the counter-attack, we haven’t dealt well with that at times this season. It’s an area we need to do better in.

“We’re a side that goes to win, everywhere we play we go for the three points – that’s the way we do it.

“It’s an opportunity for us, we could move into the play-offs after Saturday with games in hand on some teams around us.”

Rushall are at home to Kings Langley and manager Liam McDonald is looking for revenge after a defeat earlier in the season.

“We’re taking it game-by-game and week-by-week at the moment; we’re still up there in the play-off picture and I’d rather have the points on the board than games in hand,” he said.

“All we can do is keep adding to our points’ tally. We’re enjoying the challenge and we know that Saturday’s encounter will be another tough one for us.

“Kings Langley turned us over at their place earlier in the season when we had an off-day and the aim will be to make sure that it doesn’t happen again on this occasion.

“We’ve had a full week to prepare and we’ll ensure that we give a good account of ourselves to stay in amongst the leading pack.”

Meanwhile, league rivals Hednesford Town are away at fourth-placed Royston Town, while Southern Central One leaders Halesowen Town are away to AFC Dunstable.

In the Northern Premier, rock bottom Stafford Rangers welcome mid-table Morpeth Town, while Chasetown are at home to Sheffield in Northern One South East.

Kidderminster Harriers welcome second-placed York City in National League North.