With just over a week remaining of the regular season Stourbridge entertains Alvechurch in a league encounter that could carry some significance as far as the end of season play-offs are concerned.
Stourbridge have already booked their place in the playoffs but are now out to secure 2nd place with the home advantage that will bring for the divisional section of the playoffs. Ironically their final two home games are against 4th placed Alvechurch on Good Friday and King's Lynn Town, who are currently 3rd, on the last Saturday of the season (April 27th). Both teams could overhaul Stourbridge so Gary Hackett's men cannot afford to let up in the final run-in, which also includes a visit to Rushall Olympic on Easter Monday.
Alvechurch could finish as high as 2nd or they could yet miss out on the playoffs altogether if results go against them in the last week. Ian Long's side requires two more points to be mathematically sure of a top-five berth and a playoff spot. They currently have 71 points from 39 league games (won 21, drew 8 and lost 10) and are 5 points behind the Glassboys and 2 behind King's Lynn Town.
Since a shock 1 - 5 loss at home to Barwell the 'Church has bounced back superbly with four straight victories including an excellent last gasp 2 - 1 win at champions Kettering Town nearly a fortnight ago.
The north Worcestershire side has a handful of ex-Glassboys in their playing ranks. Most home supporters will, of course, be very familiar with Tom Tonks who moved to Lye Meadow earlier this year, but other former Stourbridge players include midfielder Tom Turton, striker Aaron Lloyd, goalkeeper Charlie Price and attacker Lee Chilton.
The two sides met at Lye Meadow back in mid-September when Stourbridge had the better of a goalless draw but couldn't find a finish. The Glassboys have no fresh injury concerns for Friday with Luke Benbow marking his return at AFC Rushden & Diamonds last Saturday with the winning goal soon after coming on as a second-half sub.
Sturbridge FC
