Gary Hackett delighted for FA Cup fever return at Stourbridge

Last night's 3-0 first round replay win over Whitehawk means the Glassboys will now host League One Northampton Town at the War Memorial Ground on December 4.

Luke Benbow's second half brace, after Chris Lait had opened the scoring, earned Stour a comfortable victory win over their National League South visitors and Hackett was full of praise for his team after a sensational performance.

"It has been another amazing, fantastic night and we thoroughly deserved it," he said.

"I thought in the first half we were the better team but I felt there was more to come from us. In the second half we have steamrollered it. The team was amazing, all through the side.

"Northampton is a game to look forward to. It will be a complete sell-out. We have cup fever again in the town. We will enjoy it and we should enjoy these days.

"In this job there is disappointment at times and you get criticism at times. Then at times you get rewarded."

Stour have previously reached the second round in 2011, 2013 and 2015 and last night was their fifth win over higher-ranked opposition during those cup runs.

"There is a lot of hard work which goes into it," added Hackett. "People think Stourbridge are a lucky cup side but we have had no luck in this competition whatsoever, we have had five away draws.

"To reach the second round with five away draws takes some doing. We have done a phenomenal amount of travelling. It does take its toll. We have been rewarded tonight and I am pleased for everyone at the club."

Stour, who had drawn 1-1 in Sussex in the first meeting between the teams nine days previously, were roared on by a 1,993-strong crowd.

And Hackett added: "We have had some fantastic times in recent years but it is up there. They are a team who have been in good form, who pay a lot of money out. They came here and were well beaten."