HALESOWEN Town’s chairman Colin Brookes has said he would rather have points in the bag instead of games in hand at this stage of the season.

The Yeltz moved back to the top of the Northern Premier League Division One South by beating Gresley 2-0 away on Monday night.

They are now three points ahead of promotion rivals Coalville Town but have played two games more.

Halesowen’s promotion hopes had hit a slight set-back when they lost 4-3 at The Grove last Saturday to third placed Belper Town.

However, they came storming back with a vengeance by taking three points from a Gresley side that had not lost for 14 home games.

Halesowen took the lead early on as Ben Haseley was pushed to the ground in the penalty area by Jamie Barrett. Iyseden Christie was easily able to send the goalkeeper the wrong way.

It wasn’t long before the Yeltz claimed another goal through Haseley. He slotted the ball easily under the keeper to double his side’s advantage and return them to the top of the table with just eight games to play.

Brookes said: “The Belper game was very good and could have gone either way. The important thing was the way we responded two days later. Gresley have beaten a number of sides around us, so it was important we went there and got a win.

“At this stage of the season it could prove beneficial to have points in the bag.”

He added: “We know we have a tough run-in, but we have just taken nine points from four difficult games, so we are more than capable.”

Halesowen have this week announced that Mitch Botfield has rejoined the club. Botfield scored four goals in 28 games for the Yeltz before leaving in the summer. He will help cover for various injuries in midfield.

In another twist to this season’s promotion battle, there seems to be confusion over Haleowen's  rivals Leek Town.

Town were set to lose three points after playing an unregistered player against Eastwood Town.

However, with Eastwood's results set to be expunged from the league, Leek are already set to have November's 5-0 win removed.

It is not clear whether Leek will face some other form of punishment for their error or lose six points in total.

The league accepted a resignation letter from Eastwood which means their record will be expunged. The situation will see Halesowen and their promotion rivals all being deducted three points after beating them earlier in the season.