GLASSBOYS boss Gary Hackett says his squad is taking nothing for granted, despite enjoying an unbeaten run.

Stourbridge have lost just one of their last nine matches in the league and cup and have also showed signs of stemming the tide of goals conceded.

The Memorial Ground rearguard has let in just three goals in the last five games, a distinct improvement on the early season fragility that saw them among the Northern Premier League’s leakiest defences.

Stour set up an FA Cup third qualifying round clash with Black Country rivals Rushall Olympic by seeing off Dunkirk 3-1 last Saturday.

The Glassboys progressed thanks to goals from Chris Lait, Karl Hawley and Stuart Pierpoint.

However, Hackett endured a more frustrating time when Stour drew 1-1 in the league against Grantham on Monday night.

Even though a point extended their unbeaten run, it is a result that highlights how hard the players still need to work, according to the manager.

“It is great to be on a good run of form but we are taking nothing for granted,” he said.

“This is a very competitive league, as Grantham showed us on Monday night. Everyone seems to be capable of beating each other this season.

“Saying that, it is a nice place for us to be. It means we must keep working hard and the players are fully aware of that.

“We are starting to make more and more progress and you can see that the team has gelled a lot more in recent weeks.”

Against Grantham, the Glassboys were quickly into their stride and opened the scoring in the first ten minutes through Justin Richards.

However, squandered opportunities were eventually rued in the 66th minute when Grantham’s Ben Saunders nodded home to level matters.

“It felt like two points dropped,” admitted Hackett. “We weren’t at our best but still created enough opportunities to win the game.”

Meanwhile, the boss said that while no new additions were in the pipeline at Amblecote he feels Ben Billingham is ready to be unleashed.

The popular attacker has been used sparingly since returning from injury but is now being considered for a bigger role.

“Ben has done very well in cameo appearances for us so far,” added the manager. “He is now pushing for more starts and is now ready to be let loose.”

Stour will look to extend their unbeaten run away at Hyde United this Saturday.