Halesowen Town ‘grow’ under pressure of high expectations says boss Russell Penn
Russell Penn said his Halesowen Town “grow” under the pressure of high expectations as they look to return to winning ways in the Southern Central Premier.
The Yeltz sit seventh in the standings after their opening five games, with a return of two wins, two draws and one defeat.
They visit Harborough Town this weekend on the back of a 3-0 win over Stratford Town in the FA Cup midweek, and looking to bounce back from defeat to Worcester City in their last league outing.
After suffering play-off heartbreak last season, boss Penn is eying the top spots again this campaign.
“Everyone wants to be better than the previous season,” he said.
“We had a really good one last year, and expectations are high at our club. We have a fantastic fanbase, a big one, but we grow off that pressure.
“If we can be in the top end of the table by Christmas then I am really confident that we can kick on.
“I think we are trying to find our feet. It’s been an okay to average start, I would have liked it to have been better.
“Take the Telford game in the play-offs out, I think we have continued our form from last season.
“We have had one defeat in 21 games, which came against Worcester, that was totally out of character, and it was the reality check that we needed.
“We have lost three big players in the summer, and yes we have replaced them, but it takes time to knit and gel.
“I feel we are doing that and we had a fantastic performance midweek, our best of the season so far, so there’s hopefully good times to come.”
This season is Penn’s second full campaign in charge of the Yeltz.
By Christmas last year, Halesowen sat a point adrift of top spot, and Penn is hoping his side can replicate that strong early-season form.
“You just have to focus on the next game and pick up as many points as early as possible. It will keep you in good stead.
“Nobody remembers the first six months of the season after Christmas, so pick up the points when you can, and hopefully in that time we can knit and gel and start producing the football that I know we can.”
Elsewhere, rivals Stourbridge will look to end their winless run of four league games at Bishop’s Stortford.
In the Northern Premier League, second-placed Rushall Olympic seek to continue their unbeaten start welcoming Lancaster City while Hednesford Town are hoping to return to winning ways at Warrington Rylands. The Pitmen are winless in their last three league matches.
And in the National League North, Kidderminster Harriers will look to secure their fourth consecutive victory, hosting Macclesfield.
