Glassboys hit with defeat against title rivals Kettering

Town extended their advantage at the top of the Southern League Central with a 4-2 win on Tuesday night.

A double from Greg Mills couldn't prevent Stour from falling to their first league loss in 11 games.

Gary Hackett's men are now three points adrift of Kettering but have also played two games more.

However, Hackett is determined to keep the heat on the leaders as the campaign develops.

He said: "To be fair to Kettering, they were very clinical.

"For long periods of the game we were the better side but they took their chances.

"We perhaps gave them a little too much space for their goals but there was still a lot to be encouraged about. They have one of the best defences in the league but we opened them up, scored two and should have had more.

"There were just a few little signs of the things we need to improve when we come up against the best sides in this league. We need to defend better as a whole team.

"It's now all about how we respond.

"It is still early doors and all we can do is make sure we keep tabs on Kettering and make sure we keep the pressure on.

"There is still a long way to go."

Stour went into the game on the back of last Saturday's 3-0 home success over Hitchin Town.

The clash saw stalwart midfielder Leon Broadhurst bag his 150th goal for the club on his 750th appearance for the Glassboys.

His manager was full of praise for his loyalty and ability to still hold down a place in the Stourbridge engine room.

He said: "He just keeps writing his own scripts and is a shining example to all our players.

"He was been great for us and is one of the proudest players you could meet.

"If you criticise him he takes it personally and goes out to prove you wrong. He shows you that you get out exactly what you put in."

The Glassboys will look to hit back when they host Tamworth at the War Memorial Ground this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

They are likely to come up against former players Kristian Green and Chris Lait.