ASSISTANT manager Matt Clarke says Halesowen Town's battling qualities will stand them in good stead for the gruelling season ahead.

The Yeltz wasted no time in overcoming a disappointing 5-0 home defeat against Blyth Spartans last Saturday as they picked up maximum points at Nantwich Town on Tuesday night.

Second half strikes from Malcolm Melvin and Kaiman Anderson gave Town a 2-1 success.

It saw them quickly recover from the weekend battering by Blyth that also saw midfielder Danny Bragoli sent off for two first half bookings.

Clarke praised the defensive performance of the team at Nantwich.

He said: "We did well against Blyth until the sending off but then fell apart after the second went in, which was the concerning part.

"It is the sort of defeat that can really harm a side and hit confidence.

"But the good thing about this league and at this time of the season is that games come think and fast. You don't have to wait long to get the chance to put it right.

"It was a very pleasing back-to-the-wall away win. We soaked up a lot of pressure but our game plan proved to be spot on.

"We are still suffering with a few injury problems but the players have gone out and showed the battling qualities you need. That was what we wanted to see from them."

The assistant boss also highlighted the strike from Shrewsbury loanee Anderson that proved the difference between the two sides and is keen for the forward to kick on.

"It was a strike worthy of winning any game," added Clarke.

"He netted 10 in 22 for us after arriving on-loan last season but has just struggled a little early this season, so it was great to see him find the net how he did.

"He is capable of that and he maybe needed that on a personal level. Shrewsbury need to see that he is developing here and that he is doing well.

"He has had to play out wide a few times and picked up a hamstring injury against Blyth that we thought would rule him out for a few weeks, but he got in touch, declared himself fit and did really well.

"That is a mark of the lad and hopefully that goal can kick start the season for him and us."

The Yeltz are set to go to Rushall Olympic this Saturday before hosting Hednesford Town at The Grove on Bank Holiday Monday (both 3pm kick-off).

"We now have two derby games that we are really looking forward to. We can look to build on that win at Nantwich now," said Clarke.

Halesowen are also hoping to make more signings before the weekend. Any new additions would add to the recent arrival of midfielders Lee Chilton and Joe Colley.