GARY Hackett says attacking football will be high on the agenda when Stourbridge kick-off the new season this Saturday.

The Glassboys begin life in the newly-formed Southern League Central Division with a tough trip to Barwell.

That will be quickly followed by next Monday night's visit of Stratford Town to the War Memorial Ground (7.45pm).

The boss is looking forward to finally getting started and hopes attack-minded play can again push his side towards the the top end of the table.

He said: "I think we're ready for it now. Our aim will be to target that top five again and see where it takes us. Like always, we'll also be looking for a good FA Cup and FA Trophy run as well.

"It's going to be a gruelling 42-game season so we can expect some highs and some lows along the way but we'll be looking to win games playing our usual attacking football.

"We've had a good pre-season, are notoriously high scorers and can hopefully carry that into the season.

"We maybe lacked a little flair at times last season but hopefully we're now heading in the right direction again.

"I'd still like to strengthen the squad in a few areas if the right people become available but I'm more than happy to start with what we have.

"Barwell are always a hard nut to crack away from home but we are all looking forward to the game."

Stour ended their pre-season preparations with a friendly win over Bromsgrove Sporting last Saturday.

Goals from Luke Benbow, Kaiman Anderson and Aaron Hayden handed them a 3-1 success at the Victoria Ground.

"Bromsgrove was a tough game but the perfect game to end our pre-season with," added Hackett.

"They are a club very much in the ascendancy at the moment but we managed to find that bit of quality to take us up a level when we needed it."

Darryl Westlake will miss the opening day clash with an ankle injury picked up against the Rouslers.

Bradley Reid and Jake Evans face a race to be fit in time.