STOURBRIDGE boss Gary Hackett was disappointed his side couldn't overcome Halesowen's resolute rearguard as their derby clash ended in stalemate.

The Yeltz came from behind to earn a share of the spoils from a scrappy encounter at a packed War Memorial Ground on Tuesday night.

James Roberts quickly cancelled out Luke Benbow’s second half opener that only came about after a mix-up at the back between Dan Bragoli and Matt Baker.

It was a number nine derby that never really hit top gear as the Yeltz disrupted the hosts for long spells, especially during a dour first half that saw the Glassboys weakened when wideman Callum Powell was forced off with injury.

Stour did eventually press for the winner deep into stoppage time but were frustrated as their rivals left with a hard-fought point.

Hackett said: "We could have done more but you also have to give credit to Halesowen. When they do come and play us they are very well organised, they do their homework and they try to nullify our threats.

"It didn't help that after five minutes I've had to make a change down the right hand side. It probably happens too many times against Halesowen but it's just one of those things and Kaiman (Anderson) did a great job for us. But we did lack a threat without Callum's pace.

"We didn't excite the crowd enough in that first half and it took us time to settle in.

"It was a scruffy, scrappy game but I thought if one team was going to win it, it was ourselves. Even in the last three minutes of the game we've had three chances and it's just frustrating in the end."

"What you have to do if you don't win it is make sure you don't lose it and I did feel that there was one team pushing to win it and one team hanging on. If we'd have nicked it I think you'd have to say we'd have deserved it.

"So you have to give a bit of credit to the opposition because, as per usual, they came here and blocked it up and were always a threat on the break."

The boss also felt his side may have been awarded a late penalty after sub Brad Birch's shot was deflected over the bar.

"I can't say it was handball but those around the situation when Birchy had his shot say the guy put his hand up and it hit his hand," he added.

"I think he's a good referee but if he says he didn't see it then I think he needs to get himself in a better position."

Stour now go to King's Lynn this Saturday looking to return to winning ways.

Aris Christophorou and Darryl Westlake are nearing fitness but Jack Duggan and Callum Powell will have to be assessed before the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Glassboys have been drawn away at Highgate United in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The first round qualifying is scheduled to take place over the weekend of Saturday, September 8 with each winning club receiving £6,000 from The FA prize fund.