FANS are set to be left disappointed after Stourbridge snubbed a return to the popular Boxing Day and Easter Monday derbies with rivals Halesowen Town.

Though the schedule for the 2017/18 Northern Premier League season isn't released until next month, each club is asked by the league to suggest their preferred games for certain keys dates.

Halesowen requested to play their local rivals on Easter Monday and Boxing Day but Stour didn't match their request this time around. Though the games could still take place on those dates, Stourbridge's request to play other teams instead does now make it very unlikely.

Fans of both teams were angered last term after league officials broke from custom by scheduling the derby contests during mid-week dates in September and March, which went against both clubs' wishes on that occasion.

However, one year on, the Glassboys are now willing to stick with that decision for the coming campaign.

Club secretary Clive Eades explained: "We have made our suggestions to the league for those dates and they don't include Halesowen in any way.

"It is a no-brainer for us because you are guaranteed a massive crowd regardless of what day the game is played. That was proven the case with last season's attendances.

"We won't know for sure until the fixtures are released around July 13 but we're very happy with what we sent to the league."

But the decision has disappointed Halesowen Town, with the club hoping last season was a one-off.

The Yeltz apparently received complaints from residents about the parking hold-ups around the ground due to so many people attending on a Tuesday night.

Vice-chairman Dave Hawley said: "First of all it's just really disappointing for the fans of both clubs.

"We still had a fantastic turn out for both games but it's not quite the same during a mid-week when people work. I think we could have got even more fans to come along if the game had been at a weekend or on a bank holiday.

"We also have to be mindful that we are a community club that is housing estate-based. It was chaos last season with buses diverted and cars double parked.

"Stourbridge don't have that problem so that isn't a factor for them.

"We're now trying to speak to the league and will be pushing for a Saturday game instead. They like to schedule local games for a mid-week but hopefully something can be sorted out.

"It's disappointing but we just need to wait and see what happens now."