MANAGER Ian Long says Stourbridge's brilliant FA Cup comeback against Whitby can give his squad the belief they need to make it a season to remember.

Stour fought back from two goals down to beat Whitby 3-2 and book their place in the first round of the FA Cup.

The Glassboys failed to live with an early aerial bombardment from their visitors and had it all to do to make the next round.

However, a Dave Bellis first half strike, as well as a penalty save from James Wren, meant the hosts were still in it for the second half.

Late strikes from super sub Alex Nicholls and defender Kristian Green saw Stour come out on top of the five-goal thriller in front of over 1,000 fans at the War Memorial Ground.

It means Stour now face Welling or Eastleigh in the first round over the weekend of November 9.

A delight Ian Long said: "We've had some promotions in our managerial career at different clubs but the FA Cup is something we've always struggled with really.

"We never got past the previous round before and we've gone two better this time.

"I'm just really looking forward to the next game now. The draw's not that appealing but it's a winnable game and we might just make it through to the second round."

"I thought we were going to capitulate like we have a few times this season but hopefully today's result, and turning it around the way we did, will give the players some belief in each other and themselves.

"We've got a monkey off our back by reaching the first round as well. Obviously Gaz (former boss Gary Hackett) has done well in the this competition so I'm absolutely over the moon.

"We weren't our free-flowing best but it's all about the result.

"We didn't want half time to come and then in the second half they did what you'd expect and they tried to hold onto what they'd got.

"I'll be totally honest, I didn't see us scoring until we got that little bit of fortune with the deflection.

"I felt from then on we limited them to counter attacks and long balls up the pitch and there was only going to be one winner."

Long also took time to praise the Stourbridge fans after another bumper FA Cup turnout.

He added: "They come out every week. The support we took to Whitby was unreal and we thank them for that.

"Again the support here was fantastic and helped get us over the line, there is no doubt about that.

"When we got it back to 2-2 the noise really cranked up and it's a difficult place for teams when they get behind us like that."