GARY Hackett insists his Glassboys are going through a transitional period while trying to keep pace with the Southern League Premier promotion chasers.

Hackett has struggled for a settled side in recent weeks but believes the Glassboys will be stronger for the changes.

He brought in former Leamington striker Tom Berwick this week from Southern League leaders Hemel Hempstead along with midfield man Louis Harris from Tamworth who was previously with Wolves and AFC Wimbledon.

Both made their debut in the 2-2 draw with Truro City although Hackett admitted both were still a bit short of match fitness.

But Hackett is also looking to add a central defender to his squad in time for Saturday’s trip to Weymouth with three first choice selections all unavailable.

Nathan Bennett is sidelined with a virus, Jamie Oliver has family commitments, while Will Richards is suspended along with striker Luke Benbow.

Added to that, fellow frontrunner Chris Knight was unavailable for the Truro game and Hackett is unsure whether he can play at Weymouth.

In addition, George Washbourne is still sidelined with glandular fever.

Hackett claimed: “I’m not looking for excuses and we have to deal with these situations. I will have a back four in place for Weymouth and I am actively chasing targets at the moment”.

“We just seem to have been hit hard by a number of matters which are not football related”.

Two goals from Kayelden Brown got Stourbridge out of a jam against Truro, the second arriving two minutes from time.

Hackett claimed: “The last 15 minutes of the 3-0 defeat by Bideford left me shell-shocked but I’m taking heart from the performance against Truro. We were the better side, deserved to win and showed great spirit to get back in the game”.

THE Glassboys, who are current holders, host Evesham United next Tuesday night in the Worcestershire Senior Cup semi-final (kick-off7-45pm).