HALESOWEN Town chairman Colin Brookes praised Iyseden Christie’s impact for the Yeltz after the forward left the club this week.

The powerful striker has signed for fellow Northern League outfit Barwell after a two-year spell at The Grove.

He formed a brilliant partnership with Ben Haseley to help Hales to promotion during the 2013/14 season.

He then made headlines last season by becoming only the third player in history to score six goals in an FA Cup tie.

Christie spearheaded Town’s 7-1 rout of Ellistown and Ibstock Utd in the second qualifying round by bagging a hat-trick in each half.

Brookes said: “He did brilliantly for us and had a real impact on the club’s push for success.

“I think we have been good for each other. That first season when we got promotion saw him net 19 goals and form a 59-goal partnership with Ben Haseley. He was also our top scorer last year at a higher level.

“He is a quiet and reserved man but is very professional and led the line really well.

“The manager knew he was going to leave and has already brought in forwards with that in mind.

“Travelling from where he lives to Halesowen is a problem and I think the time is right for him to move on.”

With Haseley having left already this summer, Brookes is now looking forward to seeing the club’s new attacking additions in action.

Forwards Connor Collins, Greg Pearson and Mike Taylor have joined, as well as attacking midfielder Ashley Parsons-Smith.

Brookes confirmed that manager John Hill is still keen to add up to four more signings.

The club’s new-look squad was boosted further this week when former Aston Villa youngster Darius Darkin signed up.

The attacking midfielder featured for both Bromsgrove Sporting and Studley last season.

Hill said: “Myself and (assistant manager) Matty Clark are over the moon to have Darius on board and we believe we can help him get back to where he was a few years ago.”

Yeltz players will begin pre-season training this weekend.

Their friendly programme starts away at Cradley Town on July 11 (3pm).