STOURBRIDGE boss Gary Hackett has ordered his players to stop shipping late goals if they want to end the season on a high.

The Glassboys have suffered successive defeats when conceding in the closing stage.

They lost 3-2 in difficult conditions at home to Ashton United last Saturday before being hit by a 1-0 defeat at Witton Albion on Tuesday night.

Hackett said: "We need to cut out the late goals now.

"If you take the last five minutes out of our games this season then we'd certainly have a lot more points than we do now.

"We've spoken about it at length and we know it's something that has to be put right.

"It's not down to fitness, it's maybe just about concentration and decision making. It's about tracking runners and attacking balls at the right time.

"It was a hammer blow to us on Saturday because we had the chances to win against a very good side.

"Overall the performances have given me a lot of positives. I strongly believe we are going to finish the season strongly.

"We have a lot of pride at this club and I know everyone wants that to happen.

"We have a lot left to play for in the cup and a few local derbies.

"It has been a frustrating season but we have added some really talented players recently and it'll settle down again now and I believe we can go on a run."

Stour's winless streak extended to four games despite the signing of Brad Birch from Worcester City ahead of the Witton clash.

The City skipper returns to the War Memorial Ground on dual registration after bagging seven goals in 27 appearances for his hometown club.

Birch left Stour in the summer before establishing himself as a popular figure for Worcester.

Hackett said: "In hindsight I can understand why he left because he had the chance to captain his hometown club.

"He's a player that we are really pleased to get back."

The boss also confirmed that he won't be adding any more players before Thursday's 5pm registration deadline.

He is hopeful that Aris Christophorou, Louis Hall and Connor Gater will return for this Saturday's trip to promotion chasing Farsley Celtic.