ASSISTANT manager Matt Clarke wants Halesowen Town to return to league action with a bang this weekend.

The Yeltz had been on an impressive run of just two defeats in their last ten games in the Northern Premier League until they had to turn their attention to back-to-back cup encounters.

Hales lost 4-3 at Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy before exiting the league cup after penalties against Rushall Olympic.

Their return to league commitments was halted further last Saturday when their clash at Skelmersdale United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

They will now welcome fourth-from-bottom side Frickley Athletic to the Grove this Saturday (3pm kick-off) looking to pick up where they left off.

Clarke said: "We are very much looking above us but it is still useful to put more space between yourselves and those in the relegate places even at this stage.

"When you look at where they are you may expect it to be an easy three points but there is no such thing in this league and we will have to be on top form.

"The cups can be a distraction at times and we're now keen to get going in the league again. The players are also keen to get back to winning ways as soon as we can as well."

Defender Richard Sho-Silva's loan with the Yeltz has ended and he returned to parent club Kidderminster Harriers before subsequently joining Sutton Coldfield Town on loan.

Clarke says the club won't be rushing to get another defender in as they are keen to continue with Kyle Morrison at the back.

"Kyle has stepped in in recent weeks and we want to give him a chance to build on last season," he added.

"He has formed a good partnership with Asa Charlton and can hopefully continue to improve with a run in the side.

"He ended last season really well for us but then it didn't quite happen for him at the start of this season. But since he came back into the side he has done really well."

Hales don't have any injury concerns heading into the Frickley game, which will be followed by a clash with Walsall at home in the Birmingham Senior Cup next Wednesday.