HALESOWEN Town will head into Boxing Day's derby clash with rivals Stourbridge brimming with confidence, says manager John Hill.

The Yeltz claimed the scalp of league leaders Skelmersdale last Saturday to continue their fine form.

That result, coupled with Stourbridge's loss away to Whitby, means that Hales have the chance to overtake their near neighbours should they take all three points at the War Memorial Ground this Friday.

Hill said: "We go into the game full of confidence. We are really looking forward to it and know how important it is to our fans.

"The one thing this team does is work so hard for each other and that will be important in such a game.

"Everyone believes in what we are doing.

"It will be tough for us because they are a very good side, have very experienced backroom staff and are also experienced at this level.

"It is really pleasing to be so close to them at this stage of the season."

Defender Joel Kettle hit two goals in the first five minutes to leave Halesowen Town in their element against Skelmersdale.

Halesowen's task of take all three points would later be made easier when the visitors were reduced to nine men as the game boiled over in the second half.

However, it was the Yeltz's start to the contest that ultimately proved the difference.

Skelmersdale soon found themselves in hot water when they failed to deal with two early testing balls into their box.

Kettle rose highest to meet a second minute corner and guide his header in at the far post. With a head up of steam, Hales wasted no time in doubling their advantage.

It came just two minutes later, this time from a Tom Tonks long throw.

With United keeper Hibbert failing to deal with the ball into the area, it eventually dropped at the feet of Kettle, who made no mistake from close range after another trip up field from the back.

Skelmersdale showed their frustration as the hour mark approached when Aaron Griffiths went down after Fernandes appeared to strike out at him off the ball.

The referee took no action on that occasion but it wasn't long before Fernandes was ordered from the field.

He picked up a second yellow for bringing down Robert Thomson-Brown in the 69th minute.

Skelmersdale's miserable afternoon was completed with just two minutes left on the clock when defender Robert Brodie was shown a straight red card for an uncontrolled lunge on Griffith as he cut in from the left flank.

The fully deserved victory continues Halesowen's impressive form and perfectly sets up the Christmas cracker with the Glassboys.

"We wanted to start well and put pressure on them right from the off," added Hill. "We did that really well and put in a professional performance. It shows how far we have come."