GARY Hackett admits Stourbridge must end their away day blues to keep their play-off hopes alive.

The Glassboys visit Chippenham Town on Saturday still looking to force their way into the Southern League Premier top five.

With just three games remaining, Stour are three points adrift in sixth spot and Hackett believes it is imperative they get a result at Hardenhuish Park.

That will mean improving an away record which has yielded just five wins this term.

Hackett said: “Away results have been our achilles heel, no doubt about it.

“I believe in certain circumstances the performances have not been too bad but we have not got the results.

“Too often we have conceded the first goal away from home and then had to play catch-up.

“When we have got in front, we have done well but it has not happened often enough.

“We know what is needed, we have to go to Chippenham and get a result.”

Stour suffered away day misery at Swindon Supermarine last Saturday, losing 2-1 in a game which also saw forward Linden Dovey sent-off.

They recovered to squeeze past Redditch United 1-0 on Monday, a vital result which kept them in the play-off hunt.

Paul McCone is missing on Saturday through suspension, with Paul Lloyd expected to come in.

Meanwhile, Hackett believes winger Aaron Drake is unlikely to feature again this term and the club are still awaiting scan results on Sam Rock, though he too is likely to be out for the season.

One player who could feature more is youngster Adam Ward.

The 17-year-old received rave reviews after a 30-minute cameo against Redditch in which he set up the only goal of the game for Nathan Bennett.

Hackett described Ward as a “breath of fresh air” but warned the youngster will not be over-burdened.

He added: “One thing we have to do with Adam is nurture him in the right way.

“He went to Birmingham City on trial earlier in the season and when it didn’t work out I think it knocked his confidence a bit.

“When he came on against Redditch he was a breath of fresh air. He reminded me of me at that age.

“But he has only just turned 17 and we can’t expect too much of him.”