MANAGER Gary Hackett says he is pleased with the improvement his new-look Stourbridge squad is starting to show.

The Glassboys lost 1-0 away to Frickley last Saturday before going out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup at the semi-final stage against Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday night.

However, Hackett believes the levels of performance in defeat bode well for the Amblecote outfit.

Stour have recently featured new arrivals Josh Quaynor, Leon Miles, Dayle Kenny, Tyrone Williams and Luke Connolly after an array of injuries left Hackett short of options.

He said: "I am now confident moving forwards. It has been a difficult period but there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is clear we are showing signs of getting back to where we want to be.

"The players are getting fitter and the new lads have settled in well. Finally we are getting a settled side that is working hard for each other.

The Glassboys will now welcome Trafford to the War Memorial Ground this Saturday as they look to close the gap on the play-off places.

"It is an important game for us," added Hackett. "We are taking it game by game at the minute after having to rebuild the squad half way through the season.

"We were the better team against Frickley but didn't take the chances. I was pleased with the performance against a very strong Kidderminster team.

"Our recent performances have been good and I think someone will take a real hammering from us before long."