The Number 9 Derby - Halesowen vs Stourbridge - The History and The Rivalry

The History

The Stourbridge vs. Halesowen rivalry is known as the "Number Nine Derby" due to the historic National Express West Midlands bus route 9, which directly connects the two towns. Running between Birmingham and Stourbridge via Halesowen, the route has long been a vital link for residents and football fans travelling between the clubs' grounds—War Memorial Athletic Ground (Stourbridge) and The Grove (Halesowen). This close geographical proximity has fueled a passionate local rivalry, making their matches fiercely contested. The nickname reflects the deep-rooted connection between the towns and the ease with which fans can attend away fixtures.

Tempers Flare

This rivalry has been characterised by passionate encounters, significant matches, and, at times, unfortunate incidents that have marred the sporting spirit. On July 21, 2022, the Brookes-Clark Charity Shield—a fixture established in 2021 to foster goodwill and raise funds for charitable causes was abandoned at half-time due to crowd disturbances. Flares and drink containers were reportedly thrown between fans and onto the pitch, leading to at least three reported injuries. Both clubs expressed "joint dismay and utter frustration" over the events, emphasising that the disruptive behaviour was perpetrated by "a small minority" not representative of their broader, dedicated fan bases.

Exciting Encounters

The match between Stourbridge and Halesowen Town on September 12, 2023, was perhaps the standout match between the two. In front of a sold-out 2,195 crowd, Halesowen won the match, which was played at Stourbridge's War Memorial Ground, with a thrilling 4-3 victory.

Kieren Donnelly gave Halesowen the lead early in the action-packed match, but Reece King swiftly equalised for Stourbridge. Halesowen then retook the lead just before halftime, with Nathan Hayward bundling home after his initial strike hit the post.

Stourbridge struck back to level again on 58 minutes when leading goalscorer Luke Benbow netted from the penalty spot. Halesowen then silenced the home support by netting twice within the space of two minutes. Striker Miracle Okafor turned home a Jack Holmes cross on 62 minutes before Holmes himself struck home a fourth.

The sides meet on the 22nd of February in the Southern League Central. The reverse meeting was a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Stourbridge equalising in the 81st minute and making it 2-1 after 89 minutes before a Kieran Donnelly last-minute equaliser sparked jubilant scenes in the away end.

With the teams separated by just five points and both chasing the playoffs, another fiery and exciting encounter could be in store at The Grove.

.