Stourbridge draw Black Country FA Cup derby as Ian Long returns | OneFootball

Stourbridge have been paired with Black Country rivals Rushall Olympic in the FA Cup first qualifying round, with Pics boss Ian Long set to return to the Glassboys on Saturday 5 September.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, both Southern League Premier Central clubs enter at this stage and the winners will collect £2,250.

Just over a decade ago, a third qualifying round win over Rushall propelled Stourbridge towards the second round, where Eastleigh knocked them out.

This season marks the 10-year anniversary of Stourbridge’s best FA Cup run, when they went one better and reached the third round. They beat Northampton Town 1-0 in the second round before a narrow 2-1 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers.

Rushall reached the first round for the first time two seasons ago, losing to Accrington Stanley.

Long previously managed Stourbridge from May 2019 to February 2020, guiding them to the first round where Eastleigh won the replay.

Both sides have started well this term, Rushall winning three of their opening four matches and Stourbridge unbeaten with seven points from three games.

Elsewhere, Halesowen Town host Basford United and Stafford Rangers entertain Northampton On Chenecks, with Rangers perfect so far and conceding only once.

Sporting Khalsa are at home to Leek Town, who play two levels higher. Lye Town host Racing Club Warwick after thrashing Lichfield City 6-0, and AFC Wolverhampton City travel to Alvechurch.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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