GARY Hackett says consistency is the only thing holding his Glassboys back this season.

Stourbridge bounced back from a 3-1 loss at Stalybridge Celtic last Saturday by battling to a 2-1 win over Barwell at Amblecote on Monday night.

The win leaves them in fifth place on 17 points from their opening nine league games despite not being at their fluent best.

Home draws against Matlock and Nantwich and a defeat against Marine have meant the Glassboys haven't been able to get up a head of steam so far.

The boss thinks finding that consistency will be key to his side's progression this term.

He said: "I think finding consistency would help us but we have to be aware that this is a very tough league. It is hard to put four or five wins together.

"That's what we want to try and do but there are areas we need to improve to make that happen. Overall I'm very pleased that we have scraped 17 points from nine games without being at our very best.

"Barwell are a tough team so I was delighted to come away with the win. I thought we were strong in the first half and deserved our lead but credit to them, they came out in the second half and really caused us some problems.

"In the end we've got a really good goal from Josh Cooke to win it."

Hackett was full of praise for the impact of forward Cooke, adding: "He trained with us in the summer but is a lot fitter now and has already come off the bench and scored a couple of goals.

"He's a big, strong lad and wants to be in the starting 11. He could turn out to be a real find for us this season."

The win over Barwell also marked the return of midfielder Tom Tonks.

Last season's skipper left the club in the summer to join Solihull Moors, who will retain his Vanarama National League registration, but quickly comes back to Amblecote.

He had an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute when his long throw led to Cooke's winner.

"Tom has been great for this club and he wears his heart on his sleeve. For whatever reason it didn't work out at Solihull but it was a no-brainer to bring him back."

Stourbridge's attention now turns to the FA Cup once more as they prepare to host Southern Premier League side St Ives this Sunday (3pm kick-off).

Hackett said: "We should get a big crowd against St Ives and it's a game we are all looking forward to.

"We have had them watched and it's clear they are a side that has something about them. They gave the league leaders a run for their money on Tuesday night so it'll be tough game for us.

"You can't take anyone lightly in this competition."

Defender Paul McCone remains a doubt after picking up an ankle injury at Stalybridge last Saturday.