THE future is bright for Stourbridge, says manager Gary Hackett.

The Glassboys progressed to the next round of the Doodson Sports Cup on Tuesday night with the help of a host of young players as the boss rang the changes.

Former youth team players Sam Tye and Josh Morgan-Parker featured alongside current youth team forward Lewis McPike.

Fellow new prospects Shane Grainger and Lee Pritchard also made the match-day squad.

Stour won 3-2 away at Nantwich to progress and leave Hackett happy with how the youngsters acquitted themselves.

"The squad featured three 18 year olds and three 17 year olds. It all bodes very well for the future of the club," he said.

"It was great that some of them managed to get some first team experience. It also gives me a few more options in the squad, which could be important with the amount of injuries we have suffered in recent weeks."

Against Nantwich, a brace from on-loan striker George Bowerman and another from Kristian Ramsey-Dickson meant Stourbridge edged the contest.

The win followed last Saturday's 1-1 away league draw with Marine.

The Glassboys will be back in cup action this Saturday when they travel to take on King's Lynn in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

"It would be great to have a good run in the competition," said Hackett. "It is something that has alluded us in recent years when we were doing so well in the FA Cup."

He also said he was looking forward to the second part of the season and backed his side to finish the campaign strongly.

Stour are currently sitting in mid-table but have games in hand on most of the teams above them.

"If we are still in touch at the half way stage then I think we will be able to push on in the second half of the season," added Hackett. "The players have shown great character to come through some difficult moments already and we will only get stronger."

Meanwhile, The Glassboys are expecting a crowd of more than 1,500 people when FC United of Manchester visit the War Memorial Ground on November 22.

Fans are being reminded that there will be no parking inside the ground for the game and that they should gain entry through the church end turnstiles only due to segregation.