They say that first impressions count. Well, Tom Edge couldn’t have made a better first impression on his Stourbridge debut on Wednesday evening.
The recent arrival has been left frustrated by the winter weather which has delayed his first outing for the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central club.
It was Quorn who bore the brunt of his frustration as Edge hit four goals in an emphatic 5-0 victory for his side over the high-flyers, a result which edges the Glassboys ever closer to escaping the relegation zone.
“What a night, what a win and what a shift from all of the boys,” Edge told us. “I certainly enjoyed that one and as far as debuts go, it wasn’t too bad, was it?
“Seeing the last few games falling victim of the weather has been frustrating as I just wanted to get out there and get started.
“This is a massive club at this level with great fans and I am really excited by the challenge that lies ahead as I look to help us climb the table.”
Edge knows all about recently-installed Stourbridge manager, Scott Adey-Linforth, having worked under him at Bromsgrove Sporting.
“I loved every minute of my time playing under the Gaffer at Bromsgrove,” he added. “He was able to get the best out of me, alongside Batch [Richard Batchelor, first-team coach], and I am hoping that this can continue here, it’s certainly been a positive start!
“Up until this season, I had a year away from football due to an injury and I can’t thank them enough for the support and confidence they placed in me to get me back towards my best.
“This is a great opportunity for us to get this club moving in the right direction again. The fans will also have a key role to play in this and, as I say, their backing speaks for itself.
“I’ve played against Stourbridge a few times over the years and, home or away, the supporters are always the 12th man and it makes such a difference as a player to have this kind of support.
“It makes you run that bit more and work that extra bit harder, which is exactly what we need to do between now and the end of the season.
“I am a box-to-box midfielder, I love to score goals, but I also get pleasure out of helping out on the defensive side of things.
“I enjoy being on the ball and like to play football, but when pitches start to turn and surfaces worsen, I really enjoy putting myself about and working hard for the team.
“The one thing that you can guarantee with me is that I will always give 110%.
“The League this season so far has been extremely tight both at the top and also at the bottom. There are so many points to play for and with a good run of form, you can easily jump four or five places.
“It wasn’t long ago that Alvechurch were one win away from going top, now all of a sudden, they are one place above the bottom four and we are chasing them down. That just goes to show how tight and competitive this division is.
“I think it goes without saying that the target for us, as a club and a team, is to be playing Step 3 football next season.
“That’s all that matters right now, but personally I want to establish myself in the team and help us achieve our objectives by keeping a strong level of consistency in my performances, week in, week out.
“It would also be nice to score a few more goals, as this is an area of my game that I feel I can improve upon here and if Wednesday is anything to go by, I can see that happening with the way that this team is set up.”
A trip to Leiston awaits at the weekend.
IMAGE: Anthony Dunn
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER