Eze on the way out (From Halesowen News)

Eze on the way out

2:20pm Thursday 28th January 2010

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Halesowen Town have released Nigerian defender Henry Eze as manager Matt Clarke looks to put an end to his side’s defensive frailties.

Eze was let go on Wednesday after the Yeltz could only manage a disappointing 2-2 home draw with lowly Clevedon Town the night before.

That followed a 1-1 draw with league leaders Farnborough on Saturday and Clarke feels his side must concede fewer goals if they are to maintain a challenge for the Southern League Premier play-offs.

He is hoping to replace Eze with Stourbridge’s Sam Smith after making a seven day approach for the young centre back last week.

Clarke said: “Henry started the season really well but since then I feel he has gone backwards.

“We are conceding too many silly goals and we need to sort it out quickly.

“When Jamie Hood is out of the side, as he was on Tuesday, we just don’t look the same side.

“Sam Smith is a player we would like to sign.

“He is a Halesowen lad and once played in the youth team here so we will have to see what happens.”

The Yeltz were handed a great opportunity on Saturday after Farnborough were reduced to ten men in the second minute when skipper Stephen Robinson was dismissed for hauling down Stefan Moore.

Then the Yeltz were twice in front against Clevedon on Tuesday, only to blow the lead on both occasions.

Though the draw pushed the club’s unbeaten run to 14 games, Clarke is adamant his side must improve their home form.

He said: “We have only won one of our last six home games, if you want to be competing near the top you have to win at home.

“There have been too many occasions where we have followed up a positive performance at the weekend with a poor one in midweek.

“The positives are that in both games we did not get beat.

“I said to the players at half-time against Farnborough that we would not get a better opportunity to beat them but unfortunately it didn’t quite happen.

“Against Clevedon we were poor and it felt like a defeat afterwards.

“I feel we have a good side but we are not quite clicking at the moment.”

The Yeltz stay sixth in the table but the sides immediately above them, Bashley and Nuneaton Town, have several games in hand.

Clarke now takes his side to Bedford Town on Saturday, another side struggling near the foot of the table.

He added: “It’s another tough game but we need to go there looking for the win.

“They are near the bottom but will not make it easy.”

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