Pointing in the right direction
4:47pm Wednesday 13th February 2008
THE Glassboys will be hoping to toast their first league points of 2008 this Saturday when they travel to bottom of the table Berkhamsted Town.
Stourbridge came within a whisker of earning a point against top of the table Evesham United at the War Memorial last weekend but were denied in the last minute by Michael Hayden to see them slip to their fourth league defeat on the bounce.
Assistant manager Jon Ford insists confidence is still high in the camp following a poor start to the year.
He said: "It was very disappointing to lose in the manner we did against Evesham and I felt sorry for the players because they gave it everything.
"I really felt a draw would have been the right result but at the moment we are just not having that bit of luck go our way.
"The lads certainly showed signs of improvement and I'm confident that first win in 2008 is not far away."
A visit to the BGB Midlands Division One bottom side this weekend could be the ideal opportunity for them to add to their points tally but Ford will be telling the players it will not just be a case of rolling up and then walking away with a win.
"Our trip to Berkhamsted will be a tricky game because they are bottom of the table and fighting for their lives.
"We went there last year and lost so it will be a case of once bitten twice shy."
It is hoped striker Sam Rock will be available for the game after missing the last two matches.
The Glassboys will be back on their travels next Tuesday when they pay a visit to Evesham.
The game will take place at Worcester City's St Georges Lane (kick-off 7.45pm).
On Tuesday their hopes of Worcestershire Senior Cup glory came to an end after they suffered a 3-1 defeat away Conference North outfit Redditch United.
Dudley Sports got back to winning ways courtesy of an inspirational performance from returning skipper Lee Lough.
Sports picked up their first victory in February on Saturday thanks to a 3-2 win at home to fellow West Midlands Premier Division high-flyers Shawbury United.
Lough, who has been out injured since Boxing Day made a welcome return at the weekend and produced a Captain Marvel performance as he netted twice.
Joint managers Neil Perks and Paul Blakeley were delighted to have him back.
Perks said: "It was great to have Lee back out playing because he's such a big player for us especially in big games like this was.
"He brings us some experience and he helps us on the pitch by constantly talking to the younger lads."
The victory keeps Sports in second place behind league leaders Bridgnorth and in their bid to keep on their coattails they have strengthened their squad with the addition of young centre-half Luke Paskin from Tividale.
Sports are without a game this weekend.
Dudley Town's much-anticipated return to the Dell Stadium did not go to plan as they went down 1-0 to Bridgnorth.
The Robins had to fly their nest last season after it was discovered their floodlights were not up to standard.
But after extensive work they were given the green light to return last weekend for the visit of the league leaders.
The management duo of Ian Rowe and Rob Perks will be hoping for some home success when they host Wellington on Saturday (3pm).
Lye Town will be hoping to climb back into the top ten this Saturday with a win away at Pelsall Villa (3pm kick-off).
Town slipped to a 2-0 home deaft last weekend at the hands of Ellesmere Rangers.
Following a weekend off Brierley Hill and Withymoor will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to bottom of the table Bromyard (3pm kick-off).