There was plenty of drama at last weekend’s local derby between Stourbridge and Halesowen Town as the two Pitching In Southern League Premier Central heavyweights went head-to-head at the War Memorial Ground.
Whilst ground issues meant that the capacity had to be limited, there was still a crowd of just under 2,000 in attendance to watch a game that ebbed and flowed throughout.
The visitors, who sit second in the table, took the initiative with the opening goal but the home side hit back and two goals within the final ten minutes looked like giving them the bragging rights as they turned the scoreline around.
That was until the fourth minute of stoppage time when the scores were levelled and both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.
For a number of players on the Stourbridge team, it was their first taste of what is known locally as the ‘Number 9’ derby, a reference to the bus route that links the two Black Country towns.
“Local derbies always bring that extra level of intensity, but last weekend’s game was certainly intense,” Dom Lewis, one of a whole host of summer signings, told us. “The atmosphere was fantastic and the game went one way and then the other.
“It was everything you want and expect from a local derby between two teams who have started the season well. It’s just a pity that having got ourselves in front late on, we couldn’t hold on to it.
“These are exactly the type of games that you want to be involved in as a player and I enjoyed it out there.
“It’s been a positive start so far for myself and the team. I wasn’t playing as much as I would have liked at the start of the season, but I have managed to establish myself as the games have gone on and I feel that I’m getting into a good rhythm now at this level.
“Each game I feel that I am learning more and contributing to the team. As we enter the month of December, we’re sitting in a good position.
“There are games where we’ve dropped points and we know that there is still of room for improvement, of course, especially in finishing chances and generally being more clinical, but we’re a work in progress and we’ve given ourselves a solid base to build from.
“We’re heading in the right direction, there’s no doubt about that, we’ve got a strong team spirit and with so many games on the horizon, we have a real chance to kick-on from here and strengthen our position amongst the leading pack.
“Momentum is so important in football and we have the chance to keep building that in what is an exciting League that I am thoroughly enjoying being part of.
“It’s very challenging and a definite step up from what I have previously been used to, but I went into the season with my eyes wide open and expected it to be just as demanding and competitive as it has proven to be so far.
“For me it’s a case of consistently improving my skills to ensure that I keep contributing to the team. My aim is to be a reliable and regular performer who gets his job done for the team.
“We are a focussed group of players; we know what we want to achieve and we’ll continue doing all we can on and off the pitch to be able to get to where we want to be. We’re also fortunate to have such a fantastic fan base to help drive us on.
“The noise last weekend really inspired us and more of the same is going to be required today as we face another opponent who are up there and doing well.”
The Glassboys are back at home on Saturday against another opponent who have started the campaign well in Bedford Town.
IMAGE: Anthony Dunn
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