Stourbridge renew acquaintances with Worcester City on Wednesday evening as the two teams battle it out in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.
The Glassboys go into the game on the back of a big win at the weekend as they became the first team to take points off Bishop’s Stortford courtesy of a 1-0 victory with the winning goal coming deep into stoppage time at the end from Jenson Sumnall.
A former member of the club’s youth section, Sumnall returned to the War Memorial Athletic Ground over the summer as part of the club’s drive to give emerging local talent the stage on which to perform at senior level.
Sumnall’s journey had taken him to the West Bromwich Albion academy before moving on to Peterborough United, where he turned professional.
Now he is fast establishing himself as a key member of Darryl Knights’ new-look side, with Saturday’s goal his fourth of the season so far.
“It was a fantastic feeling to see it go in,” Sumnall told us as he recalled the goal which gave Stourbridge their second victory of the season. “We deserved that; it was a big win and a big performance.
“The start to the season has been decent, but this could be the result that really sees things click into place.
“Going into Saturday’s game we felt that we hadn’t picked up as many points as we would have liked or that our performances had deserved, so hopefully this will be the turning point.
“I am pleased with the start I have made this season; my stats have been good and the fact that I’m playing regularly is helping me get consistency in my level of performance, so that I hope will continue as the season goes on.
“I’ve found settling into life back at the club very easy. I enjoyed my youth days here, so to come back has been great, particularly as a local lad.
“There is a real buzz around the place, my team-mates, the management and fans have welcomed me with open arms, just as they have with the other summer signings, and it’s helped us to hit the ground running.
“The Premier Central is very physical, which I knew it would be when I joined the club. There are some tidy players operating at this level alongside some experienced campaigners who know the game well.
“I always felt that I could compete at this level and it’s about being able to prove it over a prolonged period of time.”
So, what qualities does he feel that he brings to the team?
“I am strong defensively, both in the air and on the ground,” he replied. “I like to have the ball at my feet and try to create things from the back… oh, and I can pop up with a goal or two at the other end of the pitch!
“We know that we can be up there amongst the leading pack and we’re striving to be as high up the table as possible.
“The top five is our target, of course, and from a personal point of view, I want to keep performing at the highest level I can week in, week out. I would also like to add a few more goals to my tally now that I have a taste for it!
“It’ll be another tough test for us on Wednesday as we face opponents who are getting used to the demands at this level, but hopefully we can pick up from where we left off at the weekend.”
IMAGE: Anthony Dunn
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