STOURBRIDGE manager Gary Hackett says he can't wait to welcome in-form Alvechurch to Amblecote.

The Glassboys returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win at Rushden and Diamonds last Saturday to set up a mouth-watering clash with fourth-placed Church on Friday night.

Both sides can still finish second in Southern League Central and the clash could yet be a precursor to a possible play-off encounter next month.

Stour go into the fixture (7.30pm kick-off) in fine spirits following victory over Rushden. Even though they went behind in the contest, Robert Thompson-Brown levelled before the returning Luke Benbow hit the winner in the 73rd minute.

Hackett said: "The Alvechurch game is a pressurised game for both clubs and I'm sure there will be a bumper crowd at the War Memorial Ground again.

"It'll be two teams doing battle that like to attack, so it promises to be a really good game of football. I'd urge anyone that was free to get themselves down and come and watch it.

"It's a game we're all really looking forward to now. We're raring to go.

"It's important to try and get a home draw in the play-offs but we really want to come second regardless, that's our aim now.

"We do have three tough games left to play but I'm glad about that because we'll have to be right on it. When we are I believe we're capable of beating any side in this league."

On the Rushden success, he added: "It was a very good and solid performance from us and I think we fully deserved it.

"We played some good football and were really dangerous on the break as well.

"We're getting to that time now at the business end of the season and we are determined to make sure we finish second.

"The players really stepped up against Rushden and it sets us up for a big game on Friday."

The Alvechurch game will be followed by a trip to face Rushall Olympic on Bank Holiday Monday.

Stourbridge were boosted by the return of striker Luke Benbow at Rushden and have no new injury concerns this weekend.

* The Glassboys will hold a collection on Friday in aid of the Three Roses Residential Home, a non-profit charity home in Clent for adults with learning disabilities.