BOSS Gary Hackett says Stourbridge's continued injury troubles will make it all the more sweeter when they secure a Northern Premier League play-off spot.

The Glassboys have now seen defender Richard Sho-Silva ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing his jaw in last Saturday's 2-1 win at Ilkeston.

The win, thanks to goals from Ethan Jones and Kennedy Digie, keeps Hackett's men well on track for the end-of-season shake-up but came at a cost.

The defender's injury, which saw Digie fill in at the back last weekend, means Stour have now gone through 13 centre backs this campaign.

Sho-Silva, who joined from Kidderminster Harriers in February, has undergone surgery in Derby to fix the break.

His absence follows long-term injuries to Chris Lait, Jack Duggan, Justin Richard, Matt Dodd, Chris Knight to name but a few.

However, despite being dealt another blow heading into the final three games of the season, Hackett is determined to improve on last year's sixth-placed finish.

He said: "The win over Ilkeston was a scruffy one but we deserved to take the points. It could be a big win and even though we got a bit nervy at times it was important we got over the line.

"Football aside, our thoughts are very much with Richard after his nasty injury. He had a difficult start but had just begun to show his class in the last three or four games.

"We still need to get something from our last three fixtures and as one door closes, another one opens. Someone else will have the chance to get in the side at a big time in the season.

"Having these injuries will make it even sweeter when we do get in the play-offs.

"We have done well to stay in contention under very difficult circumstances but are determined to improve on last year."

Dan Preston and Liam Slade could both return from injury and illness to feature over the busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Stour face Frickley Athletic at home this Saturday (3pm kick-off) before going to neighbours Rushall Olympic two days later.

That will leave them to face fellow play-off chasers Nantwich Town at the War memorial Ground on April 22.

Leon Broadhurst (hamstring) and Kayelden Brown, who injured his knee when colliding with Sho-Silva, both face late fitness tests before Saturday. Matt Dodd is also nearing a return.