Halesowen Town boss Martin O'Connor will be checking out a trio of new players in the next week as he looks to put the finish touches to his squad ahead of the big league kick off on Saturday August 18.

The boss has added 22-year-old left sided midfielder Liam McDonald, 20-year-old midfielder Azariah O'Garro and teenage striker Stephen Thompson.

The lively McDonald was at Worcester City before having spells with Bromsgrove Rovers and Evesham, while O'Garro was on Coventry City's books before moving to Coalville.

The 19-year-old Thompson started his career at Kidderminster but as also had spells with Cheltenham Town, New Zealand side Melville United and Stafford Rangers.

All three played against in the 2-0 defeat to Walsall at The Grove last night (Wednesday).

In the Yeltz's first outing of the pre-season the manager put out different sides in both halves against a young Walsall side featuring former Halesowen loanee's David McDermott and Mannie Smith.

Thompson came closest for the Yeltz in the fourth minute when his right foot effort was superbly tipped away by Walsall's huge French shotstopper Bertrand Bossu.

The Saddlers struggled to create chances against a resolute Halesowen side but two goals in two in two minutes in the second half won the game for the Division One side.

Dudley born Mark Bradley opened the scoring with an header on 72 minutes before Wordsley's Alex Nicholls wrapped up the game with a well taken left footed effort in the 74th minute.

O'Connor will have been interested with what he saw as he's keen to fill the void left by the recently departed Simon Forsdick as well as strengthening his forward line.

O'Connor said: "We have taken the lads on to have a closer look at them and give them the chance to impress.

"We have got 14-15 players signed on for next season who we are fully aware of their capabilities but we are looking to add some strength in depth.

"Now Forsdick's left we are probably after another three or four players so we will see what happens."

O'Connor also confirmed an offer has been made to Duane Darby although it was still unclear whether or not he would end up at The Grove.

The manager has been chasing the 33-year-old former Shrewsbury Town, Notts County and Rushden and Diamonds striker throughout the summer.

However, with a deal for his services still not agreed the manager said he had other targets in mind.

The future of Shane Paul is also still up in the air with the young forward currently impressing on trial at Kidderminster Harriers, which included a second half appearance against Cheltenham Town at Aggborough on Tuesday evening.

The Yeltz will be in action on Saturday in an all borough affair when they welcome near rivals Stourbridge.

The game against their BGB Midlands opponents, managed by former Yeltz star Gary Hackett, will kick off at 3pm at the Grove.

The Yeltz will then travel to Stratford Town next Tuesday (7.45pm kick off).