CHAIRMAN Colin Brookes says Halesowen Town's players just need to go and enjoy their FA Trophy clash with Gateshead this Saturday.

The Yeltz face the long trip to Tyne and Wear to face their Conference opponents in the first round proper of the competition.

He said: "It is a very difficult draw for us, both in terms of the opposition and the travelling. We would have liked something closer for our fans but all we can do now is go and enjoy it.

"We have done superbly well to get to the first round and it is great to be involved. It is a bonus game for everyone.

"It is all part of the learning curve for this team and is another sign of our progress."

Halesowen go into the game on the back of another fine away.

They beat Grantham 2-0 last Saturday to continue their improved league form.

The Yeltz made two changes to the side that overcame Gresley the previous week, as Ben Haseley and Tom Tonks returned to the side, taking the place of Robert Thompson-Brown and Elliot Turner.

Halesowen dominated the first half, and their opening chance came on 14 minutes as Haseley played the ball through to Iyseden Christie who skipped past two Grantham players before his shot crashed off the underside of the bar and came back out into play.

Grantham had their chances as well, as Stefan Bilyk managed to find space a couple of yards out and smash the ball towards goal, but he was denied brilliantly by Matt Sargeant.

However, Grantham could only hold out for so long and on 27 minutes Tonks threw a long ball into the box for Haseley to rise and head home.

The Yeltz doubled their lead on 42 minute when goalkeeper Dan Haystead hit the ball up to halfway but failed to get back to his line quick enough. Christie hit the ball back up field almost instantly and watched as the ball flew into the net.

The second half was a quiet affair as Hales played out the game to take all three points.

Brookes added: "We are a very competent side and the win at Grantham really highlighted how far we have already come this season.

"In the first 10 games we took eight points, but in the last 10 we have taken 21. That shows exactly the improvements we have made. The manager and coaching staff deserve a lot of credit.

"We are also the best side defensively in the league. When you take all of that into consideration it means we are in a very good place."