GARY Hackett says forward Luke Benbow is now ready to push hard for a place in Stourbridge's starting line-up.

Benbow has been on the bench in recent weeks and came through an hour in Tuesday night's Birmingham Senior Cup clash with Rushall Olympic.

After initially missing the start of the season, the star striker burst onto the scene to smash eight goals in three games before picking up a hamstring injury that has kept him out since October.

Hackett said: "We have been very patient with Luke and he is now pushing to start.

"He got through 60 minutes against Rushall and really gave it a good go.

"He is very talented and a big player for us. It is pleased to have him available once again."

Benbow's availability boosts a Stourbridge side high on confidence following back-to-back league wins.

The Glassboys backed up victory over league leaders Skelmersdale by claiming the scalp of King's Lynn at the War Memorial Ground last Saturday.

They got off to a perfect start with just seven minutes on the clock. Former Glassboy Henry Eze was forced to concede a corner under pressure from Josh Morgan-Parker and from Drew Canavan's set-piece, Will Richards got ahead of his marker at the near post to power a header over the line.

On the stroke of half time, George Bowerman got away down the right wing, before exchanging passes with Morgan-Parker, cutting inside and steering a low shot into the bottom corner.

The third Stour goal came on 63 minutes when Morgan-Parker got the better of Eze, having hustled and harried the big defender all afternoon, and bore down on goalkeeper Street before lobbing the ball cleverly over him.

"We were quietly clinical against King's Lynn," added Hackett. "We defended well and took our chances. It was important that we pushed on after the Skelmersdale win."

Hackett then made eight changes for Tuesday's night's cup contest.

Only centre-backs Exodus Geohaghon and Keiran Morris and midfielder Leon Broadhurst retaining their places. As well as a start for Benbow, there was also a place for youngster Lewis McPike. Dominic Hill replaced Dean Coleman in goal and there was a spot for Sam Tye.

Goals from Brian Smikle, Jordan Fitzpatrick and Josh Morgan-Parker couldn't stop the Glassboys slipping to a 5-3 home defeat after extra time.

Stourbridge will now travel to Whitby Town this Saturday.

"Whitby have had some erratic results this season so we will be taking them very seriously," said Hackett. "We are confident at the moment but there have been a few false dawns already this season. We need to be focused to make sure this is the start of a good run."