MATT Clarke is targeting a productive festive period at the Grove for Halesowen Town.

The assistant boss wants his players to end the year on a high ahead of back-to-back home games.

The Yeltz don't have a game this Saturday but will welcome Mickleover on Boxing Day before Buxton visit the Grove on Saturday, December 30.

Hales didn't have game again last Saturday after their clash at Ashton was called off because of a waterlogged pitch but prepared for their final two games of the 2017 with a friendly against Bromsgrove Sporting on Tuesday night.

Goals from John McAtee and Ethan Jones handed them a 2-1 win.

Clarke said: "We want to just get back to playing games again now.

"The friendly against Bromsgrove Sporting was good for us because they are a really good side at their level and it was a useful run-out for the lads.

"Home games are really important and to have these next two games at home does give us an advantage and the chance to pick up some points.

"It seems like an age since that win over Whitby and we want to pick up at least four points from the next two."

However, Halesowen's hunt for more midfield recruits was made more urgent after skipper Danny Bragoli picked up a knee injury against Sporting that could keep him out until the new year.

Clarke also wants former Shrewsbury youngster Ethan Jones to take his chance to shine in the coming weeks, especially with uncertainty surrounding new signing Spencer Weir-Daley's availability The striker is on duel registration with Redditch United but may now be wanted at the Trico Stadium following Darren Byfield's departure last weekend.

Clarke added: "We expect more from Ethan now. He needs to work hard because there is a chance for him if he can take it.

"He's a lovely lad with so much talent but, like a lot of young players, is very inconsistent.

"He has a lot of hard work to do but if he does it he can be a really good player with the potential to move even higher.

"It can be a blow to come out of full time football. It's a big change and suddenly you're surrounded with other young players all trying to work hard to get higher as well. You have to match that to realise your potential."