HALESOWEN assistant manager Matt Clarke admitted a “few choice words” were said in the dressing room after his side put in an “awful” performance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with St Neots Town.

A goal from Asa Charlton saved the blushes of the Yeltz, with Clarke saying the side were fortunate not to lose to game, adding it was “one of the worst performances we have ever seen”.

However, Clarke believes the determined performance from his players in last Tuesday’s hard-fought draw at Stourbridge could have played a part.

“It was possibly a case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’,” he said. “We got a really good point away at Stourbridge, but we struggled terribly on Saturday.

“We lacked organisation, there was no movement, we couldn’t keep the ball – I don’t think we managed to string three passes together all game. It was awful. We were very lucky not to have lost.

“We had a few choice words to say to each other after the game, but I think that was to be expected because as a group we were not pleased.

“We always want to put a show on for the fans so were all annoyed with the performance. The only positive to take from the game is that we’re still unbeaten at home.

“But there seems to be a couple of players who play with a little bit of fear at home. They are playing within themselves, even though we’ve told them to not worry and go out and play with freedom.

“This is a good squad of players, we’ve certainly progressed since last season, so as a management team we need to see what we can do to get the best out of the lads and find that winning formula.”

Halesowen head to Northern League Premier side Matlock Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup this Saturday, with the winner bagging £6,000 from The FA prize fund.

And Clarke is hoping his side can take inspiration from rivals Stourbridge in reaching the latter stages of the historic competition.

He said: “For a club like Halesowen, a run in the FA Cup is so important. Look at what it’s done to Stourbridge over the last few years.

“The money and coverage involved is massive and it can keep clubs going for a number of years. We’ve not really had any FA Cup success in the time John and I have been here, so obviously we want to go as far as possible.

“But I don’t think we could’ve been given a tougher draw. Matlock are a very good side and we know from previous seasons how difficult it is when you go there.

“However, we’ve had a good week of training and will be as prepared as we can be.”