WITH two consecutive home matches to kick off November's fixtures, Ernie Howe is hoping his side can take maximum points from the haul up for grabs at the Camrose.

November is a busy month for the Blues, with a mixture of league and cup matches. First and foremost though, Howe is focusing on the opening two league games.

He said: "It was nice to beat Whitchurch convincingly on Saturday, as it's not something we have done at home this season.

"Now we have another two home games, against Billericay tomorrow and then against Northwood on Tuesday night, where I want to see us carry on where we left off against Whitchurch.

"Our recent home form hasn't been great and it's something we need to improve upon. The next few games will give us the opportunity to do that.

"We need to get some valuable points on the board to get us into a respectable position at this stage of the season."

Currently in 12th place with 23 points from 17 games, Town are still only six points off the fourth place Hornchurch hold with 29 points, although they have played just 16 games.

Yet, given that very few Ryman premier sides are playing consistently, wins over Billericay and Northwood, both below Town in the table, could do much to lift the club up the table.

Howe added: "There are 29 games left and 87 points to play for. I believe we need 50 per cent of those points to achieve our target position, one that will be good enough to see us qualify for the new Conference set-up.

"But we need to make sure we improve, as we're not really producing the level of performance we are capable of.

"The second half of the season will be critical, so we need to be in as good a position as possible before things really start to heat up.

"That's why it's important we do well in the next two home matches, and in the next 10 league games up to Christmas."

Following the Northwood game, Town visit Bedford on Saturday, November 15, before Aylesbury come to the Camrose on Tuesday, November 18, for the second round Ryman League Cup clash.

An away trip to Sutton United on November 22 is next, before Town's month is completed on November 29, when they will travel to face Doctor Marten's premier side Chippenham Town in the second round of the FA Trophy.

The Wiltshire side, currently second from bottom in their league, beat the Blues 2-0 in pre-season on August 10, 2002, but Town thrashed them 4-1 this pre-season. Neville Roach, Neville Stamp and Jason Graham (2) were the scorers.

Town traditionally struggle in the FA Trophy, but they will be out to make amends by progressing.

In other fixture news, Town's reward for their 4-1 victory over Whitchurch at the weekend is a home tie against Fleet Town in the third round of the Hampshire Senior Cup. The game must be played on or before December 6, 2003.