STOURBRIDGE could be handed a big boost ahead of this Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Ilkeston with a key attacking trio ready to return.

Forwards Justin Richards and Kayleden Brown and winger Matt Dodd are nearing first team action once again.

All three would offer manager Gary Hackett more attacking options ahead of the weekend’s away tie in the third qualifying round of the famous competition.

The Glassboys go into the game with just one defeat in the last nine. It’s a record extended thanks to fine 2-1 victory over high-flying Whitby Town last Saturday and a battling 0-0 draw at Stafford Rangers on Tuesday night.

Hackett said: “The forward line in the squad will benefit from having Richards, Dodd, Brown back.

“We will assess them this week but hopefully they could be ready for Ilkeston.

“If you consider that Stuart Pierpoint has also had to be very patient in recent weeks, it means we are getting some very important and experienced players back to hand us a major boost.

“It’s fair to say that we still aren’t quite at our free-flowing best at the moment but we have still done well considering the players we have been missing.Credit has to go to the lads that have stepped up and done well without them.”

Hackett also confirmed that while striker Aaron Daniels and defender Jack Duggan are also nearing returns, they may be a little further from full fitness.

The manager was pleased with the point at Stafford where chances were few and far between for both teams.

Former Glassboy George Bowerman shot over from a good position in the early stages for Stafford, and then Jack Sherratt elected to pass when well-placed later in the half.

Stourbridge threatened little in the first half but came into the game more after Rangers were reduced to 10 men on the hour, Mitchell Tolley dismissed for a reckless challenge on Leon Broadhurst.

Tom Tonks went closest for Stour as he saw his shot parried away by Kieran Preston in the home goal.

Hackett said: “They have a very experienced team of Northern League and Conference-type players. They may not be at their best recently but they have drawn a lot of games.

“They also have a more physical aspect to them and we found it hard in the first half.

Overall it was a good point from a very tight game.”

The Amblecote boss also backed winger Chris Lait to hit top form ahead of this Saturday’s cup clash.

“I’m a big believer in Chris Lait and what he is capable of,” he added. “He is trying hard at the moment but things aren’t quite coming off for him. That will hopefully change very soon. We all know how important the Ilkeston game is. It is away from home but it’s a winnable game for us.”

Should a replay be required against Ilkeston, it will take place at the War Memorial Ground on Monday with a 7.45pm kick-off.

However, in the case of a result Stour will be away to Corby Town in the league on Wednesday.