THE signs are all there to suggest Halesowen Town are close to bouncing back to winning ways, says chairman Colin Brookes.

The Yeltz have not won for four games and suffered 3-2 home defeat to Ashton United last Saturday.

However, Brookes is confident John Hill's side are not far off returning to form.

He said: "It is a disappointing time for everyone, especially after how well we did since the start of the year.

"We are still in a really great position and aren't far from getting back on track.

"If you take away our start to the second half against Ashton then we weren't far off where we need to be. We scored two goals and still could have got a point after having even more chances.

"The signs are there for us and we just need to get on with it and not dwell on the recent defeats."

Against Ashton, a goal crazy start to the second half from the visitors gave the Yeltz too much to do to take anything from the.

Hales left themselves with a mountain to climb by conceded three quick-fire goals in the first seven minutes after play had resumed.

The devastating spell caught the hosts napping and completely turned the game on its head after the home side had taken a lead into the break after Ashton captain Jason Gorton sliced the ball into his own net when attempting to deal with a low Tom Tonks cross from the right wing after five minutes.

However, three attacks brought three goals soon after play resumed for the second half.

First Lee Rick curled a sublime effort into the top corner from the edge of the box before Martin Pilkington hit a well-taken brace to complete Halesowen's capitulation.

The Yeltz answered back well as Ashton looked content with their two-goal advantage.

Three times visiting defenders had to hack the ball off the line as pressure continued to mount.

Tonks, Haseley and Hull were all denied by last-ditch clearances in the second half.

Halesowen did cut the deficit in the 66th minute through Aaron Griffiths but it all proved too big an ask for a Hales side well shy in the goalscoring stakes.

The Yeltz will now go in search of a much-needed three points with an away trip to Whitby this Saturday.

"It won't be easy but we have to stop the rot," added Brookes. "The character of the team is very good and the management team will be doing all they can to put things right."

Brookes also confirmed that Hill is now on the lookout for a few new additions to his squad.