STOURBRIDGE FC manager Gary Hackett hailed his side’s successful bid to seal their place in the BGB Premier Division for next season as “remarkable”.

The Glassboys were many people’s tips for relegation at the start of the season after they won promotion through the play-offs last year but against the odds they have staved off relegation with two games to spare.

Hackett said: “It’s great to be mathematically safe and when you consider the start we had it’s pretty remarkable.

“After we lost seven out of our first 10 games I think we were being written off in a lot of quarters but I always had confidence in what we were trying to do.

“I think through the season we have proved to be a tough nut to crack and in the whole we have the same players here now who were here at the start of the season.

“They all deserve great credit.”

The vital point was sealed in a gripping derby day encounter with Halesowen Town on Bank Holiday Monday in front of a bumper War Memorial crowd of 791.

The Glassboys found themselves 2-0 down with only 15 minutes to go but a Leon Broadhurst penalty and a strike from Craig Slater earned them a point.

The manager added: “It was a tremendous local derby all in all.

“There was a little bit of needle out there and it was obvious Halesowen were out for revenge after we beat them on New Year’s Day.

“In the first half we couldn’t move the ball quick enough and get at them but in the final 20 minutes James Dyson and Leon Broadhurst started to boss the game.

“It was extremely satisfying especially to come back from two goals down, because they were getting a bit smug.

“To cement our position in this league in that manner was brilliant.”

The Glassboys will now travel to Yate Town on Saturday (3pm kick-off) but all eyes are now on their Birmingham Senior Cup final against Hedenesford Town next Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off) at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.

Hackett is now hoping to win his first major cup final with the Glassboys after missing out in two previous finals.

He said: “With us now being safe it takes a lot of pressure of us going into the final and we will be in confident mood.

“I haven’t won a cup in my time here having lost theBirmingham Senior Cup and Worcestershire Senior Cup finals so it will be nice to make it third time lucky.

“We will go there and enjoy the day against a strong Hednesford side.”

“It should be a great occasion and hopefully we will have a good travelling support present to cheer us on to some silverware.”

A supporters coach will be running to final.

Departure time from the War Memorial will be 5.45pm and the fare is £10.

A few places are remaining and anyone wishing to book a seat are asked to contact Hugh Clark on 01384 392975.

Admission prices for the final are £8 adults and £4 concessions.