Halesowen Town called to replicate 'big performances' ahead of No.9 Derby against Stourbridge
Russell Penn has called on his Halesowen Town to start replicating some of their “big performances” ahead of the No.9 Derby.
The Yeltz travel to rivals Stourbridge today for ‘El Busico’ - the derby named after the bus route linking the two towns.
Penn’s side have suffered just one defeat in their last six Southern Central Premier games and sit two points off the play-offs, but he admits consistency has been an issue.
He said: “I think the whole league is struggling with consistency. There are minimal points separating everyone.
“A couple of wins and a good run of form can put you right up there, and that is what we are looking to do.
“I have been disappointed with some of our consistency levels, but also very proud of some of the big performances. We just need to mirror some of them now.”
The War Memorial Ground continues to operate at reduced capacity due to safety concerns. Stourbridge were ordered to remove several stands and floodlights close to the banking surrounding the ground.
“It’s a shame with what is happening at Stourbridge with regards to the ground because there would have been three times the amount of fans,” Penn added.
“Nevertheless there will be as many people as there can be in a safe aspect and it will always be a proper ding dong.
“It means a lot, it’s about bragging rights, that is what it is. It’s still only three points up for grabs, and from a manager point of view that is what I will be looking at.
“But, what comes with it in the area, the fans, the bus route, it means a lot more.”
Stourbridge have had a difficult start to the campaign and currently sit 19th in the table, eight points adrift of safety.
Boss Darryl Knights hopes a win in the derby could provide a turning point.
He said: “We would like to start turning and get a couple of wins. Hopefully this could kickstart our season and start that.”
