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Stourbridge v Halesowen Town: Clubs ready for Number Nine derby tonight

Stourbridge and Halesowen go head to head tonight in non-league's iconic 'Number Nine Derby' with both managers predicting an entertaining encounter.

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The local rivals meet at the War Memorial Ground having both enjoyed FA Cup victories over the weekend.

Gary Hackett's Stourbridge progressed into the third qualifying round thanks to a 2-1 win at Mickleover Sports, with Drew Canavan netting an 83rd-minute free-kick to settle the tie.

Yeltz, under the guidance of boss John Hill, also required a late goal to overcome opponents Belper Town, with Joe Colley netting 10 minutes from time to secure a 1-0 win.

MORE: Catch up on today's FA Cup draw here

Now attention turns back to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division as both teams prepare to battle it out for three crucial points.

"I'm expecting a very tough game," Hackett said. "You know what you are going to get with these derbies - they are entertaining and competitive games of football.

"Both sides will be confident after two good FA Cup wins, there will be a big crowd and we know we are going to have to be really solid.

"We've only played six games in the league so far, of which four have been away from home.

"And while we deserved to beat Mickleover, it was very disappointing to lose the last league game at Matlock.

"As far as I am concerned there is no better way to get back to winning ways than by beating your rivals."

Hill, meanwhile, says his side enter the clash full of confidence having won in their last three outings.

"We're ready and looking forward to the game," he said.

"It's going to be tough, Stourbridge are a good side and they should be competing right at the top of the table with the players they have got.

"We are confident though. We have won three on the spin and I'll make changes from the Cup win because we had a few cup-tied.

"We're away from home but have every intention of going there and coming away with a result."

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