STOURBRIDGE can secure a Northern Premier League play-off place with victory at Frickley Athletic tonight.

The Glassboys are now just one win away from guaranteeing a top-five finish after goals from Chris Lait and Justin Richards handed them a 2-0 win over Whitby Town at Amblecote last Saturday.

That success puts their fate firmly in their own hands ahead of a big end-of-season double.

Tonight’s trip to Frickley will be quickly followed by the visit of fellow contenders Salford City this Saturday (3pm) to conclude the regular season.

The Salford clash could also have a bearing on who gets home advantage at the semi-final stage. A home play-off semi-final for Stour would take place this Monday, but would be held on Tuesday if the Glassboys finish fourth or fifth and are away. The play-off final will take place a week on Saturday.

However, manager Gary Hackett is refusing to look any further ahead until his side have bagged a play-off spot.

“It is all down to ourselves,” he said. “I’m not thinking about anything else or any other games until we have got the win we need at Frickley.

“Salford will be a great occasion but it won’t be until after the Frickley game that we know just what bearing it will have.

“We go their with our strongest side and want to get the job done as soon as we can. We will then dust people down and assess everyone ready for Saturday.

“We have two very tough games in quick succession, but I would have taken that. It is in our hands now.”

The Glassboys will be with the absent Drew Canavan and injured Ben Billingham.

Billingham was recalled from a loan at neighbours Lye Town but picked up an ankle injury in his last game that will rule him out of playing a part in the run-in.

Meanwhile, Hackett was pleased with the way his side battled to victory over relegation-threatened Whitby and admits it could be an exciting time for the club.

“People ask me about nerves at this time of the season, but this is the sort of pressure you want,” he said.

“It is an exciting time. I’d much rather have this than when were weren’t involved last season.”

It took Stour until after the hour mark to break the deadlock against a determined Whitby outfit.

n 62 minutes, Sean Geddes fed Kristian Green, advanced from his right full back position, who in turn fired in a low cross to the feet of Chris Lait. The winger took one touch before rifling the ball into the top corner.

Richards pounced in the 72nd minute to double his side’s advantage when lofting a neat effort over keeper Shane Bland.

“Overall I think we deserved the win but the players had to be very patient,” added Hackett.

l Striker Karl Hawley collected three awards at the Evo-Stik League presentation night in Barnsley last Sunday.

Hawley was named as Supporters’ Player of the Season, was nominated in the Premier Division Team of the Season and then picked up the main award of the night, the Evo-Stik League Premier Division Player of the Season.