STOURBRIDGE boss Gary Hackett continued his recent signing spree by bringing in 18 year old central defender Ben Birch this week for their 5-0 win at Weymouth.

Birch becomes Hackett’s third signing in the past few days following the arrival of former Leamington marksman Tom Berwick from league leaders Hemel Hempstead along with midfield man Louis Harris who has joined from Tamworth having previously played for Wolves and AFC Wimbledon.

Birch, who was part of Kidderminster Harriers youth set-up has also featured at Mansfield Town and Redditch United with Hackett revealing: “Ben is a very good prospect indeed who was recommended to us by a contact who has played at Mansfield.”

Hackett had been forced to boost his squad after seeing it become decimated in recent weeks.

Central defender Nathan Bennett was waiting for results of a virus that has laid him low recently while George Washbourne continues to recover from glandular fever and has started light training again. Paul Lloyd continues to be plagued by a knee problem while Jamie Oliver is ruled out with family commitments.

Added to that, Hackett had Luke Benbow and Will Richards ruled out with suspension at Weymouth, while Ryan Rowe was unexpectedly called back by Kidderminster Harriers following his loan period.

Despite all the absentees, the Glassboys continue to haunt Weymouth, having put a total of 12 goals past them this term to follow another 10 from the previous season.

Goals from Drew Canavan, Ben Billingham, substitute Jordan Fitzpatrick and two from Sean Geddes, taking his season’s tally to 21, put Weymouth to the sword, leaving Hackett to claim: “It was a pretty emphatic performance and we were clinical in everything we did.” Stourbridge host rock bottom Bashley this Saturday at the War Memorial ground before travelling to top of the table Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday night.