Report: Stourbridge 2 Mickleover 1

Mickleover, who arrived at Amblecote hovering just above the drop zone, were quicker out of the blocks.

They should have scored within four minutes when Jake Green was put clean through, but could only fire straight at goalkeeper Matthew Gould.

It was Gould who came to the rescue again on 13 minutes with a fabulous flying save to push John McGrath's free-kick round the post.

Stourbridge struck to take the lead on 16 minutes when full-back Kristian Green stole in at the near post and delivered a deft glancing header to send Sean Geddes' corner into the roof of the net.

Mickleover levelled just three minutes later when Nico Degirolamo bundled home in a crowded goalmouth as Stourbridge struggled to clear McGrath's corner.

Stourbridge started to chalk up numerous chances, but were handed a huge slice of luck on 38 minutes.

McGrath was judged to have handled the ball while attempting to clear. Former Walsall marksman Karl Hawley stepped up to smash home the resulting penalty for his 23rd goal of the season.

The second-half saw Stourbridge create several chances but they were repeatedly thwarted.

A string of fine saves came from Mickleover goalkeeper Ross Atkins, the best of which saw him push away a free-kick from Leon Broadhurst.

Mickleover applied some late pressure, but Stourbridge should have sewn the game up three minutes from time.

Hawley took the ball past the advancing Atkins but, instead of firing for goal, he dithered long enough for defender Jack Broadhead to get back and clear.

Manager Gary Hackett admitted: "We should have wrapped the game up earlier and that led to a bit of a nervy finish.

"But it doesn't necessarily matter how well you play, it's all about putting points on the board at this stage of the season."