Glassboys ready for road double (From Stourbridge News)

Glassboys ready for road double

1:50pm Thursday 21st January 2010

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STOURBRIDGE FC boss Gary Hackett says his team have no fear as they prepare for two tough road trips in the space of four days.

The Glassboys head to Bashley on Saturday before making the trek to Cambridge City on Tuesday.

Both opponents currently sit in the Southern League Premier top six but Hackett insists his side are ready for the challenge.

He said: “Bashley have probably surprised a few people this season, while Cambridge are a side I feel will push Farnborough close for the title.

“But I have said before that we have no fear in this league.

“We know exactly what to expect, every game is a battle and we will be up for it.”

Stourbridge will enter the games in great confidence after a 2-0 home victory over Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday.

The game was the Glassboys first since Boxing Day and was played at a great tempo throughout.

Stour took the lead midway through the first half when visiting skipper Paul Keddle deflected Drew Canavan’s cross into his own net, before Ryan Rowe doubled the advantage with a neat turn and finish just before the break.

Though Merthyr enjoyed the bulk of possession in the second period the home side defended resolutely and could have had a penalty when Linden Dovey appeared to be fouled when through on goal.

However, Hackett was left sweating over the fitness of Canavan and Aaron Drake who both went off injured, the latter after being caught on the knee by a late challenge.

Hackett said: “It was a good game of football between two young sides, both of whom have good players.

“A little bit of credit must go to Mark Clifton for the way he has kept the side in shape during the long break.

“I felt over the course of the game we created the better chances and defended well.

“I feel sorry for Linden because I felt it was a definite penalty, he had his legs taken from under him.

“We will have to wait until Thursday to see how Drew and Aaron are, hopefully the injuries are not serious.

“The development of young players like them has been really pleasing this season.

“They have got to cut out some of the silly mistakes but they are still learning.”

Hackett admits he is still looking to improve his squad and revealed Sutton Coldfield Town forward Richard Ball had turned down a move to Amblecote.

He said: “Richard has already had three clubs this season and decided he wanted to stay put for the time being.

“That’s fair enough and its something we may re-visit at the end of the season.

“I’m more than pleased with the forward line we have got, with Ryan Rowe, Linden Dovey and Sam Rock, while Jan Coulston is also waiting in the wings.”

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