Match Preview

Match Preview – Stourbridge (H)

Long Eaton United enter the Isuzu FA Trophy in the 3RQ this Saturday at 3pm with the visit of Stourbridge FC to Grange Park.

The Blues head into this match off the back of a disappointing away defeat to Worcestershire-based outfit Alvechurch FC last weekend.

Ben Cassidy put the hosts ahead after 37 minutes with a driven strike that beat Ben Whiting via a clip off the inside of the post, although, Church’s lead only lasted 11 minutes as Morgan Worsfold-Gregg’s cross-shot was initially caught by Dale Eve but then spilled into the goal due to a collision with the post.

Alvechurch were quick out the blocks in the second half and after just three minutes found themselves ahead. Jannai Gordon diverted Ammar Dyer’s cross from close to make the game 2-1 and carry the hosts to a narrow victory.

The Opposition –

From a league perspective, Stourbridge currently find themselves 11th in the Southern Football League Premier Central with four wins, two draws and four defeats after 10 matches played so far this season.

But veering away from the league, Stourbridge’s previous match was an Emirates FA Cup Third Round Qualifying tie at home against league leaders Mickleover FC.

Stanley Obinna Anaebonam gave the Glassboys an early lead and an advantage at half time, before Niall Flint doubled Stourbridge’s lead mid way through the second half to secure their place in the Fourth Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.

Previous Meeting’s –

Prior to this season, the Blues and the Glassboys had never faced each other in a league or cup competition in our 67 year history.

Both clubs are still yet to face each other in a league capacity despite featuring in the same league this season, however, they have since competed in a cup competition.

In early September, Stourbridge made the journey up to Grange Park for an Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying tie.

The game finished 1-3 in favour of the visitors due to goals from Luke Benbow, Niall Flint and Alex Prosser – Marley Fearon scored for the Blues early on, but United could not quite hold on to the advantage.

Manager’s Quotes –

Reflecting on the Blues’ previous meeting with Stourbridge, Lewis McGugan said: “The first time around, especially in the first half prior to the penalty we gave a really good account of ourselves – it was maybe the start of us as a group turning the corner – so, it is just a test now to see where we are and how much we have progressed.

“It is alright Brad and I saying that the team have progressed, but the results have not matched the progression in terms of what we see on the pitch – without a doubt now, it’s a test, it’s a big test going up against a very good team in this league.

“From there point of view, they will understand that we are a very different team to the one that they played before, but ultimately, it is a great opportunity for us all, away from the league, to go out and get a positive result.”

Looking at the return to Grange Park and bouncing back from the Alvechurch defeat, he added: “We are back at home, and the biggest thing I want to see on that pitch is a reaction from last weeks defeat away to Alvechurch – I want them to understand that last weeks match was a one off, and I also want to see that application and desire because that’s something we are a massive on and that’s always something that you as a player can control.

“First and foremost, against Stourbridge, we need to show a different attitude both individually and as a group. There will be other players that are given opportunities to stake a claim, because what we need to do now is simply push on.

“We will debrief the Alvechurch game, look back at the match and see where we went wrong – we expect and really hope that the players take a look at the game so that we can have a reaction – you always go through tough moments in football, but us as a club now have to react, we have to go out against Stourbridge and put on a performance for the fans and the football club.”

Match Details –

Long Eaton United vs Stourbridge FC
Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying
Saturday 7th October 2023 – Kick-off 3:00pm

Grange Park (Long Eaton United FC)
Station Road
Long Eaton
Derbyshire
NG10 2EF

Ticket Information –

£11 Adults
£9 Concessions
£4 U16s
U16 club members gain FREE entry with membership cards (limited to one member per paying adult)

£2.50 Matchday Programme

The match kicks off at 3:00pm and we advise all supporters to arrive early to avoid any queues or delays.

Card payments are preferred and accepted at Grange Park – although, cash payments are still accepted!

Car parking is available at the ground and is free, but is of course subject to availability, although ample parking is available in the surrounding area.

Also, the team lineups will be announced via the tannoy prior to kick-off, as well as on our official X/Twitter page, where there will also be live updates from the match.