STOURBRIDGE manager Gary Hackett praised his players after they secured successive home wins to get their play-off push firmly back on track.

The Glassboys beat Marine 2-0 at the War Memorial Ground on Monday night thanks to goals from Karl Hawley and Chris Lait.

The win ensured they backed up Saturday’s impressive 5-1 win over Hyde United to move within one point of fifth-placed Barwell.

Though they were far from their free-flowing best, Stour overcame a determined Marine side thanks to their superior finishing on the night.

Hackett said: “It was a tough game for us. We put in a really good performance on Saturday and were very disciplined in what we did against Marine.

“I don’t think we ever hit top gear but we deserved to win 2-0.

“It was vital that we took maximum points from the last two home games. We were all disappointed against Barwell (a 3-1 defeat) and that was unacceptable, especially the second half. Fair play to the lads, they have responded tremendously.”

Stour did have to overcome a sluggish first half and a determined Marine side before picking up the points.

The visitors pressed the ball quickly and looked early to lively striker Danny Mitchley.

Stour, in contrast, were flat and struggled to get their passing game going.

But, against the run of play, it was the hosts that suddenly opened the scoring. Leon Broadhurst made a break from midfield, powered into the area and crossed for striker Karl Hawley to easily side-foot home on 19 minutes.

Despite the breakthrough Stour still struggled to improve further and Marine keeper Matt Cooper was mostly untroubled.

Marine’s best chance of the half fell to Chris Sharp on 42 minutes when a straight ball down the middle got the forward one on one with Matt Gould after Stuart Pierpoint’s untimely slip.

But Gould stood up well and saved at the feet of Sharp as he looked to take the ball past the on-loan Livingston stopper.

That save ensured the Glassboys took a lead in at the break despite struggling to really get going.

The goal did demonstrate their threat, however, and it didn’t take long for them to show it again after starting the second period much brighter.

Just five minutes into the half and Justin Richards fed Lait from the left. He burst into the box and finished calmly under Cooper to double the advantage.

From that point on the hosts were always in control.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s FA Trophy third round clash at Nantwich as Hackett’s men look for yet more memorable cup exploits this term.

He added: “We now have a bit of a release from the league on Saturday and it’s something to look forward to. It is bound to be a tough game but you have two attacking teams that can score goals so it will be very interesting."

“We’ve had some great games against Nantwich I don’t think it’ll be any different on Saturday. We are massively looking forward to it. Both clubs know what is at stake and I'm sure there will be a healthy crowd there.

“Hopefully our previous cup experience will help us. We have proved we can go anywhere and beat teams.”

The club will be running a supporters’ coach to Nantwich.

This will depart from Old Wharf Road at 11.45am. Seats can be booked by contacting Jim McComish on 07966 568767 after 5pm. The fare will be £10 for club members and £15 for non-members.