Stourbridge 4 Stalybridge Celtic 1 - Report and pictures
Gary Hackett was pleased with the performance of his side as they cruised to victory over Stalybridge and is looking for his side to finish the season on a positive note.
Stourbridge have only suffered one defeat in seven now but they face a punishing schedule of three games a week before the end of the campaign.
Hackett said: "We are doing well at the moment and I want us to finish the season with as many points as possible and see where that may take us.
"The games are coming thick and fast and as well as the league fixtures we have the Birmingham Senior Cup to look forward to with the possibility of silverware.
"The players are always on trial as well and we will be looking towards all of them for some positive performances with a view to their futures next season."
Hackett was full of praise for young Wolves academy loanee Nicu Carnet who scored two goals and caused Stalybridge problems all afternoon.
He said: "I think Nicu has enjoyed his spell here and we have enjoyed having him. There's a buzz in the crowd when he gets the ball and he is a very exciting player his two goals today were well deserved."
Stourbridge raced into a two goal lead within six minutes, captain Paul McCone heading in a Chris Gallagher corner on three and Carnet latching onto a pinpoint diagonal cross from Luke Benbow three minutes later to double the advantage.
Stuart Pierpoint went close with a header at the far post which needed the first of a number of good saves from Celtic keeper George Sykes-Kenworthy.
The keeper tipped a shot by Carnet over on 31 minutes before Stalybridge forced a save from Matt Gould through Connor Hughes.
But the second half followed a similar pattern, Stourbridge pressing for the third with Carnet again forcing a good save from Sykes-Kenworthy.
On 56 minutes it was three when Luke Benbow was supplied with a great pass from Leon Broadhurst in midfield and expertly slotted home.
Carnet got his second and Stourbridge's fourth two minutes later after good work on the edge of the box from Brad Birch who set him up.
Stalybridge got a goal back in injury time through Harrison Holgate with a rasping shot from the edge of the area, following which Connor Hughes was sent off for them apparently for dissent after already being booked.
Attendance: 520
