GARY Hackett has revealed Stourbridge were in the hunt to sign goal machine Stefan Moore.

The former Aston Villa and Halesowen Town ace was courted by a host of non-league clubs after leaving St Neots Town before Christmas.

But despite interest from Stour and a big money offer from Blue Square Bet South outfit Brackley Town, Moore chose to sign for Leamington, scoring hat-trick on debut as the Brakes hammered Bedworth United 6-1 on New Year’s Day.

Fittingly, Stour host Leamington at the War Memorial Ground on Saturday, with Moore’s presence set to add extra spice to an always hard-fought fixture.

Hackett said: “It was made known that Stefan was available and I did speak to him. Unfortunately it did not come our way.

“I expect at our level he would not have been short of offers.

At first glance the visitors would appear to be in the box seat as far as the league title is concerned, sitting just one point behind leaders Hemel Hempstead Town with four games in hand.

But Hackett is determined to get a win in what is the fifth meeting of the two rivals this season, the Brakes having beaten Stour in both the FA and Southern League cup competitions.

He said: “They are always tight games and I imagine Saturday will be no different.

“We are really looking forward to it, I think it’s fair to say we owe them one this season.

“Looking at their team now, you would say the league is theirs to lose.

“But with that comes added pressure and they have to find a way of dealing with that pressure. This is a tough league and to go on a winning run is not easy.”

Stour’s own unbeaten run of six games was brought to a halt with a 2-1 defeat at Barwell on Monday.

Drew Canavan put the Glassboys in front but second-half goals from Justin Marsden and Luke Barlone saw the hosts bounce back.

Hackett said: “It was a very tight game and the pitch was a great leveller, it suited them.

“I think even Arsenal and Manchester United would have struggled to play football on it.

“As I’ve said before, this is a very tough league.

“I look at the results from New Year’s Day and everybody is beating everybody else.

“To have a run of six games unbeaten is quite an achievement.”

Weather permitting, the West Midlands Premier League returns to action this Saturday after two consecutive washouts.

Lye Town host Shifnal Town with Dudley Town at home to Cradley Town and Dudley Sports entertaining Wellington.