MANAGER Paul Smith has challenged his Halesowen Town players to maintain their momentum as they edge closer to the start of the new Southern League Division One Central season.

The Yeltz continued their fine form with a 4-0 win over Welsh Premier League side Caernarfon Town last Saturday thanks to goals from Montel Gibson, Luke Yates, Josh Hawker and Jamie Ashmore.

They will complete their pre-season programme when they take on Chasetown this Saturday.

It's been an impressive summer for Smith's men, who have won five and drawn one of eight friendly fixtures so far and chalked up 30 goals in the process.

The boss is now keen for standards to stay high in preparation for the big kick-off at Yaxley on August 17.

He said: "We are in really good form at the moment and it'd be good if we could just get started now. Our challenge will be to carry our form and the momentum we have into the season.

"We need to carry that on against Chasetown this weekend and then we can get started.

"I'm still looking to finalise my final 16 and there are certainly places up for grabs over the next week or so.

"It was a good performance against Caernarfon even though we had a slightly depleted squad due to absence and injury.

"It was fantastic and everything seemed to click for us against a very good side in the Welsh Premier League."

Meanwhile, Smith isn't concerned about the favourites tag holding his side back when the campaign gets underway, adding: "We won't have any thoughts on it whatsoever. It's not something I'll be thinking about or something the players will pay any attention too.

"When I was a Bromsgrove Sporting we were always favourites to win everything and we did. It doesn't change anything.

"All we'll be focused on is showing the same level of desire that we have all pre-season."

George Forsyth (metatarsal), Robbie Bunn (calf), Jamie Lucas (hamstring) and James Bowen (knee) have all been struggling with knocks but are nearing fitness again.

The Yeltz have now confirmed the addition of forward Ethan Jones but have seen Luke Rowe depart after the midfielder found it hard to get minutes during pre-season.