MANAGER Paul Smith says the battle for a starting birth is in full swing at Halesowen Town.

Competition is hot after the boss built a strong side to try to make an immediate return to the Southern League Central.

The Yeltz continued their fine pre-season performance as they put Kidderminster Harriers to the sword last Saturday.

They beat a youthful Harriers side 4-1 thanks to a brace from Luke Yates and goals from Montel Gibson and trialist Ethan Jones.

Jones is set to complete a move to the club this week to add even more firepower to Town's attack.

Smith believes the push for first-team places is what is driving his side's eye-catching pre-season form.

He said: "We played some lovely stuff and fully deserved the win against Kidderminster. It was very pleasing.

"We were a little bit surprised they fielded such a young side for their last pre-season friendly but that doesn't matter to us.

"We still have to do things properly regardless of if we're playing Kidderminster Harriers or Dog and Duck FC Sunday league side.

"We can take great credit that we've been able to put such a strong side together that is capable of playing at a much higher level.

"I know how we've been playing has had people licking their lips at times but I won't be getting carried away.

"We have been producing the performances and scoring the goals because the players really have the bit between their teeth at the moment.

"This is the time for them to fight for a place in the side. I can't have people knocking on my door when the season starts asking why they aren't playing, because it'll be self explanatory that they having done enough in pre-season.

"There is still work to be done and I really believe there is a lot more to come from us.

"It has been a pleasing pre-season overall and the club is in a really good position off the field as well."

The Yeltz are due to continue their friendly programme with a trip to Caernarfon Town this Saturday.