Non-League previews: Halesowen looking to continue winning form on 'Non-League Day'

The Yeltz are unbeaten in their last six league games and sit second just a point behind leaders Kettering Town.

With themselves and another three sides battling it out for the title, each point is crucial at this stage in the season, and Russell Penn’s side have hit form and gathered momentum at the right time.

The Halesowen boss has ample experience in non-league during both his lengthy and illustrious player career and in his management journey so far, and is looking forward to a special day in the football calendar. 

The first international break of the year brings the return of 'Non-League Day'. The campaign founded by James Doe in 2010 seeks to highlight the importance of clubs further down the pyramid and the volunteers who help run them. 

As the country will celebrate everything non-league football, Penn is hoping for another cause for celebration through securing three points against strugglers Lowestoft Town.

Speaking on his love for non-league, Penn said: "It is a fantastic pyramid we play in within English football and it should be celebrated because there is no other country like it.

"I sound like a broken record but we just want to win the next game and Lowestoft are up next and our home form is really good, and we have got to put it on them.

"But, we have got to be respectful. They have just picked up a great point against Kettering, and are on a decent little run of form.

"They are picking up points and fighting for their lives, so we have got to be respectful, but it is about us on Saturday."

You would assume, given their recent form, that it has been a delight to watch Halesowen from the dugout for Penn, but he revealed a different emotion that he has been feeling.

"It's stressful trust me," he added.

"We had a bit of a dodgy spell over Christmas and I think we have come out of that.

"Yes, we have lost a couple of games in between decent runs, but overall I think we have been quite consistent really, and none more so in the last month.

"We would take some beating now, and we have won the last three. We have played some good stuff and look solid which is the most pleasing thing for me."

Elsewhere, league-rivals and 10th-placed Stourbridge visit Royston Town. The Glassboys edged out Royston in the reverse fixture last October and will search for three points to keep any lingering play-off hopes alive.

In the National League North, Phil Brown’s Kidderminster Harriers will look to extend their unbeaten run to seven league games and put further pressure on those above them in the title race with victory over Needham Market at Aggborough. Harriers secured a statement win over leaders Scunthorpe United midweek where boss Brown was sent off in the final minutes.

And, 23rd-placed Rushall Olympic go to Darlington. The Pics sit second-bottom in the standings, nine points adrift from safety.