GARY Hackett has underlined the importance of Stourbridge's trip to Marine on Saturday as the club's focus finally turns to league action for the first time in six games.

The Glassboys' fine cup form has resulted in a delay since October from Northern Premier League matches.

The manager says his players will be fully focused on the task of bagging a much-needed three points with the aim of pushing themselves back towards the play-off places.

"The game is very important," said Hackett. "There is no doubt that when big cup games are interspersed with league matches it can get difficult but our focus has to be on taking three points against Marine now.

"It is a tough place to go, as we found out last season, but we have the ability and will be looking for the points.

"We are all fully aware that our league form is where we will ultimately be judged at the end of the season. That is where our attention turns now and the players won't have any problems or distractions.

"The cup is great for the future of the club but our league A number of Stour players have now linked up with other clubs in order to maintain match fitness.

All remain registered with Stourbridge and can be called upon when required.

Goalkeeper Charlie Price has joined Sporting Khalsa, defender Alex Penny is with Hinckley, winger Lewis McPike has linked up with Stourport, and midfielder Louis Harris is at Walsall Wood, for whom he has already made a handful of appearances this season.

"It is important the players get game time so they are ready to come into the first team fold," added Hackett.

"Charlie will be back for the FA Cup game and is a very good goalkeeper that will be pushing Lewis Solly all the way. He has been kept out of the side because of injury and the brilliant form of Solly and it will be good for him and the other players to get regular action."

Though Hackett says competition is good within the squad, he admits that reinforcements will be needed as the busy winter period starts to kick in.

"We will need strengthening and that will happen," he said. "We just need to make sure we get the right people when the time comes."

Meanwhile, Hackett was pleased with the professional performance that saw his side beat Carlton Town in the FA Trophy last Saturday.

They had to be patient before finally claiming a 2-0 success at the War Memorial Ground.

"It was a dominant performance," said the boss. " got the job done in the end and were very professional in the way we approached it. It was very pleasing."

Injuries to the key midfield pairing of Tom Tonks and Leon Broadhurst was the only downside. Both men limped out of the contest.

Tonks should be fit for Saturday but Broadhurst is rated at 50/50 for the clash.

Striker Kayelden Brown is still awaiting a scan on the long-standing knee problem that he aggravated earlier in the season and is likely to be unavailable for some time.