GLASSBOYS boss Gary Hackett says he'll be working hard to keep his injury-hit squad as fresh as possible for the run-in.

Stour are in a battle for a Northern Premier League play-off place heading into the final six games of the season.

Their hopes were dealt a blow last Saturday with a 2-1 home defeat against Grantham Town. Key winger Matt Dodd and new defensive addition Liam Slade also limped out of the clash to add to Hackett's injury woes.

Dodd's calf trouble will now see him miss this Saturday's vital trip to Buxton and Tom Tonks (quad), Kayelden Brown (knee), Stuart Pierpoint (hamstring), Liam Slade and Ethan Jones (both ankle) face late fitness tests.

Hackett says he will manage the situation as best as he can to help Stour get over the line.

"We will ease off training this week to try and give people the best chance of being ready," he said.

"It's a problem we have had for a while now and we'll just get on with it.

"We have a big game against Buxton and we just need to make sure we're as fresh as possible. I thought about rotating the squad to help deal with the injuries but we just need a see who is fit each week first.

"I feel sorry for Dan Preston because I think he's already had six or seven different centre back partners since he arrived."

Luke Benbow levelled matters against Grantham on 14 minutes after the visitors had netted inside three minutes through Luke Shaw.

Stour ended the half on top but couldn't find a lead before the break.

The second half was a different story as Grantham took charge.

They regained the lead three minutes into the second half when Danny Meadows played a through ball which Lee Shaw was allowed to chase unchallenged.

He beat onrushing Glassboys goalkeeper Matt Gould to possession and then just calmly rolled the ball from the edge of the area into the net.

Stourbridge rarely threatened as the second half progressed and found themselves pegged back inside their own territory for long periods as Grantham pressed forward without ever seriously threatening Gould again.

Hackett said: "It was a frustrating performance from us and we got punished for the way we started both halves.

"We weren't at our best and now need to make sure we regroup and go again.

"We are right in the mix and need to embrace the challenge.

"Our support has been magnificent all season and hopefully the fans can get right behind us for the last few games. The players appreciate it and are determined to give it everything they can."