GLASSBOYS boss Gary Hackett admits he told his players a few home truths after their defeat at Grantham Town.

Stour fell to a 4-2 loss at their second-placed rivals last Saturday as they dropped to 15th in the Northern Premier League and nine points off Warrington Town, who currently occupy the final play-off place.

The manager was quick to demand more from his players as they look to salvage their season.

He explained: "There are a few players that are playing on reputation rather than form and I made that clear to them after the game.

"I'll defend my players to the hilt but there are times when they have to be told. It's not everyone but there are three or four who are there on reputation.

"That doesn't count for anything now.

"There will be a few changes on Saturday but I do also want to give them a chance to react.

"Our season has been far too inconsistent and that has to change.

"The Grantham game was disappointing but there were also elements that we couldn't control, such as an injury to Matt Gould.

"He decided he'd be okay to play but in hindsight, which is a wonderful thing in football, we probably shouldn't have risked him.

"He was at fault for a few of the goals but we have to remember he's played around 120 consecutive games for this club and done very well.

"Like a few others, he has struggled with form recently and he could maybe do with the break anyway.

"We have to come back fighting and I know we have the character to do it.

"A win over a rival in this league can chance things very quickly."

Stour now face third-placed Shaw Lane at the War Memorial Ground this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Hackett is looking to get a new keeper in due to Gould's absence.

He said: "We have some promising young keepers like Pete Hawk and Joe Collingridge but I am also looking to bring in a keeper before the weekend if possible.

"Sometimes it's not right to throw in a young keeper but we'll have to make that decision."

Meanwhile, striker Luke Benbow will remain with the Glassboys for the remainder of the campaign.

He has made 13 appearances in his third spell with the Glassboys, scoring five goals.

In total, he has turned out 193 times for Stour and netted 100 goals. He recently brought up his century in the 4-0 win at Marine.

"He needs a big last 20 games from a personal point of view and from the teams," added the boss. "But I'm a big believer in Luke and we all know what he can do, so it's a really positive move for the club to be able to extend his loan."