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9:41am Thursday 6th September 2007

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STOURBRIDGE will be hoping to take a morale boosting FA Cup triumph over Highgate United last weekend into this Saturday's home clash with Aylebury United as they go in search of their first league point of the season.

The Glassboys have made a disappointing start to their BGB Midlands One campaign after suffering defeats in their opening three games.

Due to their groundsharing arrangements with Stourbridge Cricket Club they had not played at the War Memorial before their 2-1 triumph over Highgate.

Manager, Gary Hackett, now hopes the confidence boosting win mixed with a return to Amblecote will be the necessary ingredients for them to pick up their first league win of the season.

He said: "We are not as bad as the results suggest because from the opening three league games I really believe we should have picked up at least a point in all of them.

"Our problem has been we have not put in consistent 90 minute performances yet and have not been clinical enough in front of goal.

"I'm confident with the players I have here and I'm sure once our luck changes we will be flying."

Hackett was dealt a blow this week with long term absentee Rob Taylor set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The popular striker picked up a serious knee ligament injury back in February 2006 and after several operations was only weeks away from a return to action.

However, Taylor has aggravated the injury and is awaiting the news from a scan to assess the extent of the damage.

To help ease this hammer blow Hackett has agreed a short term deal with Bromsgrove Rovers to bring striker Keith Russell to the War Memorial.

The 34-year-old former Blackpool and Hednesford forward has impressed at the Victoria Ground throughout pre-season after making a return to football following a four-year absence.

Rovers boss, Rod Brown, believes the deal will suit all parties as he is keen to get Russell some much-needed action which he cannot guarantee at present.

He said: "To a player of Keith's age, sitting on the bench is no good.

"I have a good tie up with Gary Hackett.

"I wouldn't hesitate in giving them two or three more players as I have an arrangement to recall them.

"He will go there for the next three or four games.

"He needs two or three goals and I think he will get that at that level."

Hackett was also delighted to have a player of Russell's ability on board.

He added: "I watched Keith play for Bromsgrove reserves recently and he was very impressive and showed plenty of desire.

"I'm delighted to have him here for a short period because he will complement our current forwards."

The manger is also hopeful tigersish midfielder Ryan Mahon will be available for selection when they welcome Aylesbury (3pm kick off) although Paul Jones will be unavailable.