HALESOWEN Town boss Rob Smith says his team is now facing 14 cup finals as they look to avoid the drop from Southern League Central.

The Yeltz were sent out of the Birmingham Senior Cup at the quarter-final stage by rivals Stourbridge on Monday night as Luke Benbow's only goal of the game proved the difference at the War Memorial Ground.

Smith has been hit by the loss of loanees Dan Sweeney and Joel Taylor, who returned to Solihull and Kidderminster respectively, and felt the lack of attacking prowess against Stour.

He was quick to praise his side's defensive efforts, however, and is keen to turn his attention back to the survival fight.

He said: "The two centre backs, for me, were out of this world, as they have been since I came here.

"It was always going to be a hard task coming here because we've got seven or so players missing. It was always going to be difficult even with our strongest side out but the first half really disappointed me. We played three strikers and I just thought there was a lack of effort.

"In the second half we were a lot better but we didn't really create any chances, which is our issue. You give me Luke Benbow and that's the difference between the sides really.

"Their three strikers were awesome with great movement and that's why they are where they are and we are where we are.

"I can't fault the effort though.

"Things have just contrived against us. Dan Sweeney's has been recalled by Solihull, Joel Taylor was called back the other week. As soon as we start to make some progress something comes to knock is about, but we'll keep going and there's a real belief in there that we'll get out of it.

"We're not in anymore cups but we've got 14 cup finals. Every week we have one of those and there is a lot of belief that we'll be okay."

The Yeltz have boosted their forward option with the arrival of Jack Till from neighbours Lye Town. The pacey striker could feature this weekend as the Yeltz travel to Stratford Town.