Former West Brom striker Lee Hughes in line for Halesowen Town debut

The 41-year-old former Albion striker joined the Yeltz this week from Midland Premier League side Worcester City, but he’s not the only new face who could feature at Ashton.

Midfielders Ahmed Ali, 27, and Daniel Byrnes, 21, could also make their debuts after signing from Bromsgrove Sporting and Clithero respectively.

Halesowen are currently second-bottom of the Evo-Stik Premier, just three points above bottom club Sutton Coldfield Town who occupy the only relegation spot.

But manager John Hill has bolstered his squad from a position of strength after two wins in the last three league matches.

“I spoke to (Halesowen first team coach and former Albion team-mate) Richard Sneekes the other night,” said Hughes. “Apparently they’ll run through a brick wall but they’ve not had any luck.

“They’ve brought three new players in this week, hopefully it will give the squad a boost.

“If we get a result on Saturday, it will give us some momentum and hopefully we can pull out a few more results before the end of the season.”

Hughes scored 17 goals for Worcester City and AFC Telford in the National League North last season, so he’s confident he’ll be able to contribute in the step below.

Halesowen’s three new faces won’t be the only unknowns on display this weekend.

It’s also the club’s first league clash with Ashton this season after this game was postponed last September.

Ashton will return to The Grove in April for the reverse fixture

Hughes has already scored 15 goals in 23 appearances for Worcester CIiy in the Midland Premier League this season, but heis not expecting to necessarily drop straight into the team.

“I’m feeling really good, I’m fully fit for selection,” he said. “They’ve brought me in to boost the squad but it’s up to the manager (John Hill) and assistant (Matt Clarke) if I play.

“I want to play next year, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t play next year, I’ve spoke to Clarkey, he says the manager wants me next year too.”

Stourbridge – who did have a game on Tuesday, a 4-1 defeat at Altrincham – are on the road at Matlock Town.

Elsewhere, Stafford Rangers host Lancaster City and Hednesford Town travel to Marine, while Rushall Olympic – on the back of their 6-2 Integro League Cup win at Sutton Coldfield Town – are without a fixture.