Hackett: Points more important than performance (From Halesowen News)

Hackett: Points more important than performance

1:00pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in Football

GARY Hackett says Stourbridge must prioritise points over performances as the Southern League Premier play-off race hots up.

Heading into the final two months of the season the Glassboys sit third in an increasingly congested table.

The manager described last Saturday’s scrappy 1-0 win at Frome Town as “vital” and admitted style points were now secondary to actual ones as nerves increase.

He said: “We are now entering a critical stage of the season. At this stage it doesn’t matter so much how you play, it’s about getting the result.

“It’s an exciting time for the club. Heading into March we have a Worcestershire Senior Cup final to look forward to along with a Birmingham Senior Cup semi-final, while we are also in with a chance of promotion from the league.”

Nathan Bennett should return to the centre of Stour’s defence for Saturday’s home game with Bideford, after missing the games with Hemel Hempstead Town and Frome because of a calf problem.

Hackett’s side then travel to Banbury United, a side they beat 8-1 in the reverse fixture back in September, on Tuesday night.

Hackett said: “We are not in a must-win situation but these are two games we should be looking to take something from if we are going to make the play-offs.

“There can be no hiding behind any excuses.

“At this stage of the season teams keep getting written off and then come back into contention, while others fall away.

“Last year 72 points was good enough for a play-off spot, though whether it will be this year who knows?

“All we can do is pick up as many points as we can from the 36 left available.

Keeper Lewis Solly will continue his return to fitness with a brief loan spell at Stourport Swifts.