HALESOWEN Town manager Paul Smith is full of praise for the way his side have reacted to their first setback of the season.

The Yeltz chalked up their third successive victory on Tuesday night when they bagged a 1-0 win at Stratford Town in the Southern League Challenge Cup.

That victory came on the back of a league win at North Leigh and last Saturday's 7-1 FA Cup first qualifying round success over Lichfield City.

The run of wins is all the more pleasing for Smith due to the fact it came on the back of a disappointing defeat to Welwyn Garden City last month.

He said: "It's been a really impressive week from the lads. We got turned over by Welwyn Garden City in a game we shouldn't have been turned over in but have then gone and beat North Leigh with 10 men for the majority of the game, comfortably won against Lichfield City in the FA Cup and then gone to Stratford and beat them.

"We have shown huge character on the back of our first defeat of the season. We went into these games wondering how we'd cope and manage after that and we've reacted fantastically well.

"The win at Stratford was just as pleasing as the Lichfield game because we changed our shape and looked at a few younger players. Joab Wheatley started at right-back and did really well.

"It was only poor finishing on our part that meant they were still in the game.

"It meant I was a bit nervous heading into the closing stages but the lads dug in and got the clean sheet. It's been a long time coming but it fires us nicely into another big game this weekend."

The Yeltz now take on second-placed Corby Town at the Grove on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

"Corby are a big club and they have recruited really well this summer.

"I think that anyone who finishes above them this season is likely to win the league.

"The lads have certainly given me a headache. I have a training session this week to try and pick 16 first of all and then an 11 after that. It's going to be a very difficult decision and there will be a few disappointed players who will miss out on the 16."

Smith has no new injury issues with Ethan Jones remaining the only absentee due to a knee injury.