HALESOWEN manager Paul Smith has warned his players that he won't accept complacency from them this season.

The Yeltz found a way to beat Biggleswade 1-0 last weekend despite a poor showing as they returned to league action.

A much-changed Town team then lost 2-0 in the league cup at Daventry on Tuesday night.

After those performances, Smith has demanded his players shape up sooner rather than later if they want to avoid the axe.

He said: "It was a big three points for us at Biggleswade after not playing in the league for a few weeks. We weren't at our best but I have to give the lads credit for finding a way to win.

"That said, it's vitally important that the performances improve now.

"We made plenty of changes in the league cup and the best player on the pitch was Brad Ward who came from our under-21s. For him to be the best player in a team of first team footballers says a lot.

"I feel that the players have become comfortable and I won't tolerate complacency.

"I won't wait for us to get into a poor run of form or until we start losing games. I'll be on the look out to freshen things up and the players have been told that.

"They have the responsibility to keep working hard and not just being comfortable in the squad.

"They have been told and will be given the chance to react now and prove that they want to keep working and keep fighting.

"I do really believe in this group and that's why we haven't made a signing yet and we're nearly in November.

"I'd happily stick with this group all season but I've seen a dip in attitude and work-rate and the players look far too comfortable for my liking. That has to change."

Halesowen will now take on Stamford at the Grove in the FA Trophy this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

"The FA Trophy is the next best competition after the FA Cup and I think we are capable of going far if we can play to our best," added the boss.

"Our fans love a cup competition and should be really behind us again.

"Stamford are a well-organised side and it's going to be very tough for us but it's a chance for us to get back to improving our performance levels first and foremost.

"We left the likes of Rob Evans, Montel Gibson, Reece Hewitt and James Bowen at home on Tuesday so they should be ready for this."