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Goal hero leon Broadhurst

THIS was by no means a classic performance by the Glassboys, more nervy and scrappy, but nobody at Amblecote will be complaining this week.

The phrase job done' comes to mind, as over the two play off games, the first at home to Sutton Coldfield, Stourbridge frustrated their opponents with a sterling defensive display and won by the odd goal.

Stourbridge are back competing in the Southern Premier, where they spent four seasons between 1974 and 1984. No matter that the league is now at the third tier of the Non League game rather than the second, the greater exposure, bigger games and opportunities it will bring will undoubtedly benefit the club and the town.

It was 120 minutes of graft for Gary Hackett's men on a beautiful day at The New Windmill. It wasn't end to end or a great game, but the tension amongst the 1,634 fans packed into the ground was evident throughout.

A poor opening ten minutes saw Nathan Bennett and goalkeeper Lewis Solly excel themselves by snuffing out opportunities for Ben Mackey and Jamie Towers in a nervous start.

But just when you thought Stourbridge were settling down and might even eventually launch an attack, they went one down on 18 minutes.

A poor Chris Slater backpass led to Solly having to come out off his line and try to deny Marsden who seemed sure to reach it first, but he was adjudged to have fouled him.

Solly saved Mackey's kick with his legs but the ball went straight back to the 27 goal top scorer and he made it 28 for the season by smashing it home.

You feared for Stourbridge then, with a partisan crowd against them and a goal down, but once again their renowned fighting spirit came back at the opposition.

Three minutes after the penalty, Ross Collins' free kick was volleyed forward by Andy Wright and Bennett was there to sidefoot home.

Leamington continued to enjoy the most possession, as Stourbridge looked increasingly like they wanted to play for extra time and a possible penalty shoot out.

But they did have their moments, a Ross Collins drive heading for goal before Leamington defender Parkinson blocked it and required treatment.

Marsden went close for Leamington after excellent work from Marcus Jackson who impressed throughout and Towers had a goal ruled out on 82 minutes for offside.

Again during extra time Stourbridge had to defend deep, Solly pulling off two more saves , one from a deflection and a drive from Husband.

But the decisive goal came after good work from Sam Rock on the right won him the ball and he picked out Leon Broadhurst, whose pinpoint shot went beyond the grasp of Morris in the Leamington goal.

To say Leamington were gutted would be an understatement but whilst some would say Stourbridge's victory was a bit smash and grab' in its nature, it showed the battling spirit they will undoubtedly need to take to the higher level with them.

10:56am Thursday 8th May 2008

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