Halesowen 1 Stourbridge 0 - Report and pictures

Ali's calm finish came shortly before the break and Stuart Pierpoint was sent off for the away side in the second period, in front of a strong crowd of 1,753 at The Grove.

John Hill's side remain second bottom but are now nine points clear of Sutton Coldfield Town, who occupy the only relegation spot, with six games to go.

There were disappointing scenes following the final whistle as a flare was chucked onto the pitch from the Glassboys end. A group of those fans also appeared to break part of the fence behind the goal.

The clash got off to a scrappy start, with neither side keeping hold of the ball for a prolonged period.

It was Stour who had the first good opportunity as Luke Benbow, following a knockdown from Wolves loanee Aaron Hayden, was denied by the feet of Yeltz goalkeeper Daniel Platt.

Halesowen's rather defensive set-up meant the Glassboys enjoyed more possession as the first half progressed. Benbow had another go - his effort from the edge of the box smacking the post.

The hosts had their chances too, though. Former Albion striker Lee Hughes and Ivor Lawton both went close with headers, before Ali put them in front.

Hughes beat a sloppy Stour offside trap in the 37th minute, latching onto Jordan Goddard's through-ball. His strike was saved by Matt Gould but the ball fell kindly to Ali, who slotted home from six yards out.

Veteran Hughes was up to his usual antics after the restart, feigning injuries, protesting every decision - being a thorn in the Glassboys' side. He clipped the bar with a seemingly mishit cross.

The visitors went down to 10 men shortly after the hour mark as Pierpoint tripped Lawton, who was through on goal, and the Yeltz managed to hold on.

It was expected to be a fiery affair and there were seven yellow cards dished out, as well as the straight red for Pierpoint.

A deeply disappointing day for Stour gaffer Gary Hackett, but a great one for Hill.

Teams

Halesowen (4-5-1): Platt; Lewis (Oyenuga, 63), Morrison, Charlton, Kelly; Bragoli (c), Ali, Lawton (Knight, 89), Poscha, Goddard (Agbor, 75); Hughes

Subs not used: Byrnes, Parsons

Stourbridge : Gould; Hayden, McCone (c), Pierpoint, Westlake; Forde (Cooke, 59), Broadhurst, Birch (Tonks, 82); Gallagher (Shearer, 75), Benbow, Carnat

Subs not used: Christophorou, Hawk