MANAGER Gary Hackett has praised the way Stourbridge's youth players have stepped up to assist the first team in recent weeks.

The Glassboys have battled to back-to-back draws against Lancaster City and Barwell in their last two games following their Birmingham Senior Cup semi-final success over West Bromwich Albion last Wednesday.

All those games have seen a host of youth players included in the first team squad.

Defender James Timmins, forward Alex Cameron and midfielder Tom Edmunds-Hill have all seen action while Peter Hawk has again provided back-up goalkeeper cover. They add to the involvement of Jake Evans earlier in the season and the continued development of former youth prospect Brandon Hague.

Hackett said: "It was always the intention to give a few of the young lads some game time at the end of the season.

"They have come in because we have been hit with so many injuries again but they have done fantastically well.

"I've also had to liaise with Kieran Bustin (youth team boss) to make sure it works with them because they have also had a lot of games to play and are looking to win their own end-of-season honours.

"Overall they have acquitted themselves very well and I hope they can be part of the first team moving forwards. It's up to them to keep taking their chances now.

"They have also helped freshen things up too and it certainly bodes well for the future of the club."

On Saturday's 0-0 stalemate and Lancaster and Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Barwell, the manager added: "We weren't at our best going forward on Saturday but we defended well on a difficult pitch.

"I think we just lacked a little bit of energy.

"Against Barwell we had a very mixed squad and had to play people out of position, especially in defence. I had Aaron Forde at right-back, moved Leon (Broadhurst) and Aaron Hayden to play and centre back and had James Timmins in again.

"To come away with something was really pleasing. The lads were fantastic and it only took a moment of magic late on for them to salvage a point.

"We know there have been a lot of disappointing aspects this season but the way the team have dug in recently has been a credit to them. Hopefully we can end on a high note."

The Glassboys will find out the Birmingham Senior Cup final opponents when Hednesford and Nuneaton meet this week.

Before that they will complete their regular league season with two home games. Stafford Rangers were set to visit on Thursday night before this Saturday's clash with Warrington at Amblecote (3pm).