HALESOWEN Town will battle it out with Gresley for a place in the first round of the FA Trophy this Saturday.

The Yeltz will welcome their Northern League Division One South opposition to The Grove for the third qualifying round contest.

Manager John Hill said: "It is a massive game for both sides. The whole squad is looking forward to it.

"It will be tough game because Gresley are a good side and have done well this season in a league that we know is very competitive.

"It would be great for the club to progress in such a prestigious contest. The prize money is also important and the game will act as a nice break from league action as well."

Hales continued their fine league form when claiming a 2-0 away win over Trafford last Saturday.

The opening chance came for the visitors when Danny Bragoli picked up the ball from the edge of the area and smashed the ball towards goal, but Dan Wilczynski made a brilliant save to deny him.

Trafford had their chances as well in the first half, as captain forced Matt Sargeant into making a good save, and Mile Oates created a chance for himself but he could only blast the ball over the bar.

The Yeltz took the lead on 65 minutes, as Iyseden Christie slotted the ball through the Trafford defence to Kristian Green, who placed the ball into the net with power.

Halesowen doubled their lead in the final moments of the game, as Robert Thompson Brown made and individual run and ended it with comfortably placing the ball into the net.

"We are now looking like a team that is comfortable at this level," added Hill. "It is pleasing to see the players getting the rewards for their hard work."

In Tuesday's Birmingham Senior Cup clash with Hednesford, the Yeltz lost 4-1 after Hill made six changes to the side.

"I think the scoreline was a little unfair on us," he said. "The right team won but the score doesn't reflect how close the match was. The performance was encouraging and we shouldn't have any trouble moving past the defeat."