MANAGER Ian Long believes being underdogs once again can help his Stourbridge players cause an FA Cup upset against Eastleigh.

The Glassboys host the National League side in the first round this Saturday (3pm kick-off) as they look to make more history in the famous competition.

Stour will have to do without skipper Ash Carter after he was sent off during last Saturday's 3-3 Southern League Central draw at Needham Market.

However, they are hopeful Jordaan Brown will overcome a hip problem to fill in for centre-back.

"First of all we'll have to defend a lot better than we did at Needham Market, that's for sure," said Long. "But maybe those enforced changes at the back will be beneficial to us.

"It's going to be very tough against a good side but maybe the fact that the pressure is off us will help.

"I think the expectations at the club have had an impact on some of the players that have not been used to that at other clubs they have been at.

"So returning to the familiar role as underdogs will help them. A lot of the current squad are used to being underdogs and having to fight for everything they get.

"We wanted to get to the first round and now we have achieved that goal. Anything after this is a huge bonus for us and that fact can help us against Eastleigh."

Stour found themselves 2-0 and a man down at Needham Market but hit back to lead 3-2 before then seeing the home side bag a equaliser at the end of a frantic contest.

Long added: "I'm proud of the lads. They showed real character to come back with 10 men and were unlucky not to hold on at the end.

"We just didn't defend well enough again to win it, even though we maybe deserved it for how we fought back.

"Our problem is that we are switching off when we are in possession and getting caught out when we lose the ball. Our concentration levels have to be better.

"We've had two clean sheets all season because we do leave ourselves exposed when we push our full-backs up and maybe that is something that needs to change. We have to get the balance right."

Some tickets for the Eastleigh clash are still available and fans should contact the club to snap up the final places.