GLASSBOYS boss Gary Hackett says he is satisfied with his current squad after the side came out on top in a narrow 2-1 win against Birmingham City’s U23s.

Stourbridge went into the game at the War Memorial Ground on Tuesday night all guns blazing, going two goals ahead inside the first seven minutes – thanks to head of target man Jordan Archer.

The striker opened his account with just four minutes on the clock when he rose highest to glance a left wing cross past the Blues keeper.

A few minutes later, a Connor Gater cross from the right was put into a dangerous position and Archer got in front of his man to head it in at the near post.

After the double-firing of goals, the majority of the first half then went the way of Birmingham, with Gould playing well in the Stourbridge goal to keep the home side ahead.

Blues made wholesale changes for the second half, taking off former Glassboys hero Dan Scarr, who was given the honour of the captain’s armband for his new team on his return to Amblecote.

The away team got their goal mid-way through the second half when Wes Harding was found at the near post from a corner to nod in.

But Stour could have been further ahead minutes later when Trueman in the Blues goal denied substitute Josh Cooke.

Glassboys kept on the pressure towards the end of the game and came away with a deserved victory in their second pre-season game.

Dudley News:

Jordan Archer wheels away in celebration after his second goal in Stourbridge’s 2-1 win over Birmingham City’s U23s. Photo: Andrew Roper

Hackett put out a more familiar team against Birmingham after giving a number of trialists a run out against West Bromwich Albion’s youngsters last week.

He said: “We have got a few new player in the team and at the moment there are players of varying fitness levels.

“Overall I am very pleased with the performance of the players, it was a tough game against a very talented team of young boys.

“I felt for 90 minutes we were able to keep our fitness levels up which is the most important thing at this time of the year.

“Last week we had a number of trailists, but against Birmingham we had many of our regular players back, as well as a few of our new signings, so I was able to judge their progress.

“I think we’re starting to get a settled squad now and I don’t have plans for any new signings.

“We’re Still awaiting a few of the players, a couple are still on holiday, but I think there is still a lot more to come from them.”

Hackett was adamant that he won’t be bringing in another striker before the season starts, leaving Archer as the main man to replace the goals of last season’s top scorer Luke Benbow.

“To compare Luke and Jordan would be wrong,” Hackett said: “They are completely different styles of player but I see Jordan having a good season and being among the goals.

“He took his two goals very well, but there should be more to come from Jordan. I won’t be bringing in any more strikers, I’m happy with the players I have.”

Stourbridge narrowly missed out on promotion from the Northern Premier League after losing to Spennymoor Town in the play-off final, but Hackett is hoping his side go one better this season.

He added: “Promotion will be the aim. It is always the target and nothing will change that. There has been many changes to the side from last season, and there might be more changes going forward into the season, but I believe that this group of players are good enough to get us promoted.

“Obviously there will be changes throughout the season, there might even be changes before the season, but I would have to be sure that they’re the right types of players for the club.”

The Glassboys will host football for a fiver next Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick off) when Redditch United are the visitors to the War Memorial Ground.