STOURBRIDGE began life without ousted manager Ian Long with a 3-1 defeat at high-flying Royston Town on Tuesday night.

Alex Nicholls stepped up from playing staff to interim manager for the game after Long left the War Memorial club by mutual consent on Monday.

But he couldn't prevent the Glassboys falling to a third straight defeat in just eight days, following a 2-0 reverse at Bsanbury United on Saturday, and a 2-1 loss to Lowestoft the previous Tuesday.

Aaron Landell struck in the first period to give Stourbridge a 1-0 half-time lead, but Royston stepped up a gear and rattled in three second half goals.

Veteran Nicholls, 32, has enjoyed an illustrious career on the pitch, playing for Walsall, Northampton Town and Dundee United - where he won the Scottish Challenge Cup in 2017.

A further decision on who will replace Long has yet to be sannounced.

A club statement on Monday read : "Following a meeting this morning with Andy Pountney and Andy Bullingham, the Club has parted company with Ian Long by mutual consent.

"The Club wishes to place on record our thanks to Ian for his efforts during his time as manager of Stourbridge Football Club, which saw the Glassboys reach the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup earlier this season.

"We sincerely wish him all the best for the future.

"Further announcements will be made by the Club in due course."

Stourbridge, meanwhile, will look to get their season back on track at home to Lowestoft on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).