Stour started brightly and had their first shot within 30 seconds of the first whistle. Carnat did well down the left, chipped a ball to the edge of the box which was met by Brad Birch but his volley flew over the bar.

It took only four minutes for the Glassboys to go ahead as captain McCone headed home from a fantastic Chris Gallagher corner.

And the lead was doubled three minutes later. Luke Benbow tried an ambitious pass with the outside of his right boot, Stalybridge’s Alex Honeyball couldn’t quite cut it out and Carnat took advantage to fire the loose ball past keeper George Sykes-Kenworthy.

It was almost three in the 16th minute as another Gallagher corner was met by Stuart Pierpoint but his header was well kept out by Sykes-Kenworthy.

Tom Tonks was the next to go close with an effort that went just wide before Carnat again showed his quality with a left-footed curler that was well kept out by busy Celtic keeper Sykes-Kenworthy.

Pierpoint had another headed effort saved before Celtic had the best chance of the remainder of the first-half, Matthew Wolfenden having a rising shot well tipped over by Matt Gould.

Stour came out of the traps well again in the second period, Broadhurst putting the ball in the net shortly after the restart before an offside flag ended the celebrations.

But the third goal came not long after, Benbow latching on to a good ball over the top from Broadhurst before holding off a defender and finishing into the bottom corner.

And two minutes later it was 4-0. Gallagher set Birch free down the right, he put a low ball into the penalty area and loanee Carnat was there to force home his second in the 61st minute.

Hackett introduced young midfielder Jake Evans, Luke Shearer and Josh Cooke off the bench and Stour mostly controlled proceedings during the second half.

Carnat had a shot saved late on as he chased his hat-trick but Stour had to settle for the four goals after a fantastic performance.

The only disappointment was no clean sheet as Harrison Holgate curled in a consolation deep into stoppage time before Celtic’s Connor Hughes was sent off for some choice words towards the referee after a clash with Evans.

Stourbridge (4-3-2-1): Gould; Westlake, McCone, Pierpoint, Christophorou; Birch (Evans 62), Tonks, Broadhurst; Gallagher (Shearer 75), Carnat; Benbow (Cooke 80). Subs not used: Hague, Hawk (GK).

Attendance: 520

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

We are at home again on both Monday and Wednesday nights.

Monday 16th April sees Workington make the long trip down from Cumbria for a repeat of last season’s epic play-off semi-final, this time in an Evo-Stik Premier fixture (7.45 pm kick-off).

On Wednesday evening, 18th April, we will entertain West Bromwich Albion in the Birmingham Senior Cup semi-final (7.45 pm kick-off). NB. This tie will be settled on the night, with penalties if required, but no extra time.

Next Saturday, 21st April, we pay a first visit to Lancaster City for an Evo-Stik Premier fixture (3.00 pm kick-off). Travel details can be found here.

YOUTH TEAM & ACADEMY

The Youth Team hostAlvechurch at the War Memorial Athletic Ground on Friday 20th April for an MFYL fixture (7.45 pm kick-off).

Our Academy team is away to Chasetown on Wednesday 18th April (2.00 pm kick-off).

STOURBRIDGE LADIES

The Glassgirls’ are away to Redditch United Ladies this Sunday, 15th April, in the WMWL Division 1 South Cup semi-final. The match takes place on the 3G at the Valley Stadium (2.00 pm kick-off). The Ladies would welcome your support as they take on the unbeaten champions-elect!

EVO-STIK PREMIER DIVISION RESULTS - SATURDAY 14TH APRIL

Altrincham 4-0 Barwell
Coalville Town 2-3 Marine
Farsley Celtic 0-2 Warrington Town
Halesowen Town 1-1 Ashton United
Mickleover Sports 2-2 Buxton
Nantwich Town 1-2 Rushall Olympic
Shaw Lane 0-0 Lancaster City
STOURBRIDGE 4-1 Stalybridge Celtic
Sutton Coldfield Town 4-1 Hednesford Town
Whitby Town 0-3 Matlock Town
Witton Albion 1-2 Stafford Rangers
Workington 0-2 Grantham Town

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