STOURBRIDGE boss Gary Hackett stuck to his word this week and rang the changes ahead of the Glassboys trip to St Albans City.

Hackett left striker Ryan Rowe, ever-present Leon Broadhurst and Jamie Oliver on the bench.

In addition to that, central defender Henry Eze has left the club and returned to former side Kettering.

Hackett brought back reliable full-back Paul Lloyd and also included 18-year-old Jean Kalenda from Birmingham City’s Academy.

Kalenda, who is from the Democratic Repulic of Congo, partnered Nathan Bennett in central defence.

He is initially on a month’s loan with the Glassboys, but Hackett confirmed the deal could be open-ended.

Hackett said: “There were people playing below par and not doing themselves justice.

“Leon has been struggling with his form and carrying a bit of a niggle at the same time and i felt he needed a rest.

“I could never fault Leon for his effort and he always wants to play.

“I also felt the time was right for Henry Eze to move on. “Will Richards had come in and done a great job in central defence so I left Henry out. “It was ironic that as soon as I left Henry out, the seven days came in from Kettering.”

The changes clearly worked as Stourbridge picked up a 2-1 win at St Albans, Ben Billingham putting them ahead in the first-half before penalty king Sean Geddes added a second from the spot after St Albans goalkeeper Paul Bastock foolishly lashed out at Nathan Bennett.

John Frendo pulled back a 94th minute consolation for St Albans.

Stourbridge turn their attentions to the FA Cup this Saturday when they entertain Sutton Coldfield Town in the Second Qualifying Round.

Hackett added: “We’ve seen what an effect an FA Cup run can have on a club, it has happened to us and of course, we want more of the same.”

Former Kidderminster Harrier Dean Bennett remains a big doubt with a thigh strain while Roland Agbor and Andre Francis are rated only 50-50.

Rowe is also a doubt after sustaining a bruised toe.

If Saturday’s match finishes as a draw, the replay will take place at Coles Lane on Tuesday. If not, Stourbridge will travel to Alvechurch in the Birmingham Senior Cup.