Non-league previews: Penn looks for consistency from his table toppers Halesowen

The Yeltz hit the summit of the standings on Tuesday after a 2-1 win over Royston Town. The win was their third game unbeaten following three league losses in a row.

Penn’s side sit level on points with both Bedford Town and AFC Telford United, but ahead on goal difference, as the season continues to be a thriller and closely contested title race. 

Ahead of visiting fifth-placed Stratford Town tomorrow, who are just three points behind, boss Penn said he is looking for his side to put a run together. 

Asked how pleased he is to see his side top of the table, he said: “I am delighted at the current time because three games ago we were on the back of three defeats, but we have had a bit of a reset with games called off and I think it has done us a world of good.

“We have always been in the mix, and I don’t think we have been out of the play-offs all season really, touch wood, I hope we don’t, but we had three games in seven days and we had so many adversities in them, and sometimes you put it down to that.

“But, with the two games off after that, it gave us time to regroup and recharge, and have a bit of a rest. It has been like a bit of a winter break for us and has done us good.

“However you win the game at the moment is vital, you are coming up against good teams every single week. I think every team in the league is in the mix of it all.

“You have to take each game as it comes, and we said that Saturday’s point at Sudbury was only good if we got the win on Tuesday against Royston and the lads matched that saying. 

“Nobody has been consistent enough to pull away, and that is us included as well.

“We know every year there is one runaway leader who has won the league by now if they can be consistent, but we haven’t been. I think it is everybody’s target to be consistent because if you are then you will have a great chance. 

“Due to where Stratford are in the league and the location, it is a bit of a derby. I have a couple of friends there and players who used to play for Halesowen. 

“But, it is just another game and a game we need to be on it, and if we are not then it could go the other way. We need to go into it confident after having a good ten days of results.”

Meanwhile, league rivals Stourbridge visit Harborough Town having won just once in their last eight league games. The Glassboys’ poor run has seen them drop to 10th in the standings, seven points adrift from the play-offs. 

Elsewhere, Kidderminster Harriers sit top of the National League North - level with Chester on 49 points - and go to Oxford City, while Rushall Olympic, who are three points from safety, host Leamington.