Line drawn after Stourbridge loss

Hackett told some of his players they were ‘playing on reputation and not performance’ following a 4-2 defeat to Grantham Town that left the Glassboys 15th in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division, well adrift of their play-off target.

But with title-chasing Shaw Lane heading to the Black Country tomorrow (3pm), Hackett is looking forward to moving on.

“I will back and support my players, but sometimes people need to stand up and be counted,” he said. “There’s a few playing on reputation and not performance.

“To dwell on it would be very foolish. It’s history now and you move on – we have a tough game against Shaw Lane because they have had a good season.”

Stourbridge trailed 4-1 at half-time during the loss to Grantham and an outpouring of frustration from supporters on social media was responded to by several players – including 700-game stalwart Leon Broadhurst – who urged them to keep the faith.

“I’m not a big fan of social media,” admitted Hackett. “It has its benefits and uses in certain ways, but it can be a very dangerous game.”

Matt Gould was at fault for three of the four goals, according to Hackett, but was carrying an injury that will keep him out of action for the next two to three weeks.

The Glassboys expect to have a replacement signed before the weekend, while there could be further movement in and out the door at the War Memorial Ground.

Elsewhere in the Evo-Stik Premier tomorrow (3pm), third-bottom Halesowen Town face a crucial trip to fifth-bottom Whitby Town. Although only one side are to be relegated this season, due to a national restructure, the Yeltz have slipped to within four points of that position after suffering four defeats on the bounce.

Rushall Olympic and Stafford Rangers – in 19th and 17th, respectively – will both hope to keep a safe distance between themselves and the relegation space.

The Pics host fourth-placed Ashton United, while Rangers are on the road at fourth-bottom Marine.

At the other end of the table, Hednesford Town (eighth) will be looking to leapfrog Farsley Celtic (Sixth) as they hunt down a play-off place.

Rob Smith’s Pitmen are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions.

Kidderminster Harriers are without a game in National League North this weekend, but return to action at Curzon Ashton on Monday night (7.45pm).