Report: Stourbridge 1 Salford City 2

Following Thursday's 2-1 defeat at Frickley Athletic, Stourbridge knew they had to win to make sure their season didn't end on a low note.

Salford arrived at Amblecote already safe in the knowledge they had secured third place and a home tie in the play-offs.

As a precaution, Salford rested six regulars but still proved too much for Gary Hackett's side.

The visitors took the lead after 10 minutes when speedy striker Michael Itela stole in at the far post to convert John Johnston's right wing cross.

Glassboys goalkeeper Matthew Gould and central defender Stuart Pierpoint seemed unaware of the diminutive marksman's presence.

Pierpoint quickly atoned by equalising on 21 minutes when netting with a glancing header following a Tom Tonks cross.

The game progressed at a frenetic pace with Stourbridge squandering a great chance right on the stroke of half-time.

Chris Lait picked out striker Karl Hawley with a defence-splitting cross, but the league's leading goalscorer couldn't apply sufficient power in his header and Salford shot-stopper Jay Lynch managed to save.

Stourbridge started the second-half by bombarding the Salford goal with a series of long-range throw-ins from Tonks.

But Salford's defence held firm and survived a penalty scare when full-back Stephen O'Halloran appeared to handle and prevent George Bowerman from advancing on goal.

Despite heated protests, referee Neil Radford ignored the home appeals. Itela broke through on 63 minutes but goalkeeper Gould bravely blocked his initial shot, before Dan Scarr got back to clear off the line.

Impressive Salford midfielder Luke Clark then had a goal-bound shot spectacularly turned onto the post by the diving Gould on 70 minutes.

Two minutes later Salford silenced a massive Amblecote crowd when they took the lead, Clark picking out Joseph Mwasile on the right who, in turn, crossed for Itela to turn home.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of Stourbridge and Salford could have won by a wider margin, as Itela broke through again on 83 minutes but fired wide.

Itela threatened again on 90 minutes but again Gould blocked his effort, before Lait made a dramatic clearance.

Glassboys boss Gary Hackett couldn't hide his disappointment and admitted: "We finished sixth for a reason and, over 46 six games, we've been sixth best.

"There's been some key margins and the penalty decision that went against us, it makes a massive difference.

"However, we can't escape the fact we've conceded too many goals over the season."