GARY Hackett says forward Luke Benbow will continue to improve as he get more game time for the Glassboys.

The returning hitman bagged a brace as Stourbridge secured their first win of the season at Frickley on Tuesday night.

He converted a Chris Lait cross on 10 minutes to open the scoring before netting once more on 21 minutes after being set up by Drew Canavan.

The 2-0 away win sees Stour pick up their first points of the new campaign.

Hackett said: "It was important that we got off the mark.

"Our problems with injuries have been well documented. We were behind in our preparation and got found out against Warrington on the opening day and then suffered in the last 15 minutes against Hednesford.

"But now we have that first win and can look ahead.

"It was a good disciplined performance and it was good to keep a clean sheet as well.

"It was also pleasing that Luke (Benbow) chipped in with the goals. I like to think I'm one of his biggest fans. He can do things on a football pitch that not many other forwards are capable of in this division.

"He is a confidence player and the more games he gets under his belt the more he will improve and get sharper.

"He was the top goalscorer in the division until Christmas last season and will score goals if we can keep him fit and get him playing regular."

Defender Stuart Pierpoint is now nearing a return to action after making the bench against Frickley as the Glassboys' injury troubles start to ease a little.

Left-back Junior Smikle and winger Matt Dodd are rated as 50/50 for this Saturday's trip to Nantwich Town.

Stour will then welcome Barwell to the War Memorial Ground on Bank Holiday Monday.

Justin Richards and Jack Duggan are around 10 days away from a return.

"We have two games in quick succession now," added Hackett. "We will approach them in the right way and look to build on our first win."

The manager confirmed he is still on the look out for new faces to bolster his squad despite players returning from injury.