GARY Hackett was delighted to see Stourbridge exorcise some painful memories to lift the Worcestershire Senior Cup.

The Glassboys had missed out in three previous finals, twice in the Birmingham Senior Cup in 2006 and 2009, and the Worcestershire equivalent in 2007.

Ryan Rowe’s double to sink Worcester City 2-0 – winning the county cup for the first time since 1981 – was the perfect conclusion to a best-ever league campaign which secured eighth place in the Zamaretto Premier.

“It’s nice to put some silverware in the trophy cabinet after we had come so close in the other finals,” said Hackett. “It’s my fourth final with Stourbridge and a lot of the players had also played in all four so it was nice to be able to celebrate.

“It was a great night for Stourbridge Football Club.

“We deserved it. We played a lot of good football in the first half and we were 2-0 up. Worcester had a bit of pressure after half-time but they didn’t really threaten.”

Hackett admits the Glassboys have raised the bar again with their endeavours this season but he will looking to improve again next term.

“The aim every season is to improve – it’s not easy but that’s the target,” said Hackett. “We will take a break, have a breather and then we will plan for next season.”

Meanwhile, the Glassboys will be able to enjoy a home friendly in the build-up to next season.

They have already confirmed a match against Kidderminster Harriers for July 19.