STOURBRIDGE have been handed a home tie in the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup after seeing off local rivals Tividale at the weekend.

The Glassboys have been drawn against Dunkirk of the Midland League Premier with the tie set to take place a week on Saturday, the first competitive meeting between the two sides at senior level.

It’s an important game financially for both clubs with £4,500 available to the winners.

Skipper Stuart Pierpoint’s 28th-minute goal was enough to see off Tividale and boss Gary Hackett felt it was a game his side should have won more comfortably.

“It could and should have been more really, but the main thing was that we we’re in the hat.

“The biggest relief for us is that after a long succession of away draws we are finally at home and we’re delighted with that. “Dunkirk are there by right and we will give them the respect they deserve.

“It’s never easy. Oadby Town won at Sutton, Hinckley beat Redditch United, so we must be mindful of results like that and we’re glad that on Saturday we weren’t one of them.

Meanwhile, Hackett has seen two players come in and one go out of the Glassboys squad last week.

Lee Chilton has returned to Leamington, with Hackett admitting he couldn’t offer the commitment needed to make an impact at Amblecote.

“We pride ourselves on being as professional as we can and Lee, though he is a very good footballer, for whatever reason couldn’t commit to that.

“But there are no hard feelings. Perhaps I didn’t get chance to get to know him well enough but that’s what happens in football.”

Ben Billngham’s return has also been confirmed.

The popular striker and one of the club’s longest-serving players, broke his ankle and twisted ligaments against Matlock Town last October.

Hackett said: “Ben will be with us now. For obvious reasons it’s been a patience thing but I can trust him to make an impact for us and he deserves a lot of credit for working his way back to full fitness.”

Justin Richards also comes in having signed a short-term deal last Thursday.

The 34-year-old will offer experience and and Hackett feels the striker is not just seeing out his career.

“He’s hugely competitive, has a wealth of experience and also desire.

He’s a winner.”

On Saturday, Stourbridge are at home to many people’s favourites for EvoStik Northern Premier crown, Blyth Spartans.

Buoyed by an FA Cup run to the second round proper last season, they sit top of the table and Hackett believes they will provide a benchmark of where his side currently are.

“”It will obviously be tough, but if you look at our first eight games I don’t think they could have been much tougher.

“It will be a good yardstick for us but, going forward, we are match for anyone and we are starting to get things right at the back.”

On Tuesday they face a trip to Ramsbottom United.

“They have a had a difficult start but there are no easy away games in this league.”

Tom Tonks is a major doubt after suffering a blow on his foot and is rated only 50/50 for Saturday.

Chris Knight is the other concern, he will have a late fitness test on his injured shoulder.