JOHN Hill says he is now reaping the rewards for Halesowen Town's settled squad.

The Yeltz continued their fine run of form by beating Gresley 2-0 last Saturday to progress to the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

Even though Hill is always on the look out for new faces, financial restraints compared to many other Northern Premier League sides have resulted in them giving chances to many of last season's promotion heroes.

However, the manager thinks it's a factor that has worked to their advantage after a run of impressive results that has seen them rise to 15th.

He said: "It is definitely a good thing that we have a settled squad. It has played a factor in how we have done this season.

"They have worked hard for each other and adapted well when we have had to changed our system. Knowing each other so well and being a close group has helped with that.

"They have now found their feet and should be able to continue to improve. Confidence is very high."

LATE goals from Iyseden Christie and Chris Lait sent Halesowen into the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

The Yeltz had to wait until the last ten minutes to overcome a determined Gresley side that will feel disappointed not to have earned a replay from the close encounter at The Grove.

It was a game of small margins and it was only Halesowen's ability to create the clearer cut chances that saw them through.

Without forward Ben Haseley, who has a fine scoring record against Gresley but was missing due to a virus, The Yelts were always going to find it harder to get in behind their visitors from the Northern Premier League Division One South.

Halesowen's first real opportunity fell to striker Christie after 15 minutes. He collected the ball in the box but could only poke a tame effort wide of the near post from six yards out.

The best chance of the half fell to Robert Thompson-Brown after he made a rare run in behind his strike partner Christie.

Christie played him in but out-rushing keeper Ross Atkins stayed tall to save as Thompson-Brown attempted to lift the ball beyond him.

Fans hoping for more goalmouth action in the second half were left disappointed as the stalemate continued.

It took until the 82nd minute for the home side to break the deadlock.

Christie rose with keeper Atkins to challenge for the ball. As he fell to the ground he was the first to react to get to his feet and calmly slot into an empty net.

It appeared that Christie handled the ball as he fell on it following his challenge in the air with Atkins, but the referee had no hesitation in awarding the goal.

Just three minutes later, Lait pounced on a scuffed kick from Atkins to put the game beyond Gresley.

He got to the ball first, collected after a ricochet from defender Jake Carlisle and slotted neatly under the 'keeper.

The Yeltz have been drawn to Conference side Gateshead in the next round. The tie will be played a week on Saturday.

First Hales travel to take on Grantham Town this weekend.