OLD friends Gary Hackett and Dave Titterton come face to face as managers for the first time tonight when Stourport Swifts entertain Bromsgrove Rovers in the first round Dr Martens Cup clash (7.45).

The pair played together at the Walshes Meadow club and both are relishing tonight's encounter.

"We are good friends and speak on the phone every day so it will be interesting to come up against him as a manager," said Hackett.

"As often happens with a change of manager, the slate is wiped clean and we are anticipating a tough game."

For resurgent Swifts it is the chance to exact revenge on Rovers who dispatched them 3-0 earlier in the season.

The club's fortunes have been revived under Titterton with Stourport unbeaten in the league under his stewardship including a 2-1 win at Rocester last weekend.

In contrast Dr Martens Western Division leaders Rovers tasted defeat at home to Merthyr as their unbeaten run came to an end.

Hackett and co-manager Jon Ford have several injury worries ahead of the cup match and will wait on fitness tests for Mark Clifton (back) and Matt South-wick.

Definitely out are Grant Beckett, Neil Cartwright (hamstring) and James Dyson (hamstring).

Despite the 2-1 defeat to Mer-thyr, Hackett remains upbeat and refuses to go overboard about the loss. "We had a setback but in the same way that we didn't get carried away when we won nine games on the trot, I don't think we are going to be pushing the panic button," he added.

"We've lost one game and we're never going to go unbeaten and we just have to bounce back."

Titterton, who will be without Michael Moore (groin) and John Shirley (unavailable), expects a fiercely competitive encounter.

"I've been mates with Gary for years and it will be nice to pit my wits against him as a manager," he said.