MANAGER John Hill says his Halesowen Town players are relishing the chance to take on promotion contenders Ilkeston Town this Saturday.

The Yeltz drew against second placed Ilkeston earlier in the season but now take them on after powering their way into the top ten by losing just once in their last 11 league games.

Hill said: "We are relishing the task and everyone is looking forward to it.

"We drew at their place and they have since gone from strength-to-strength, as you'd expect from a full time side with an academy.

"We are in a good position and can maybe go into the game under a little less pressure because of that.

"Hopefully we will go out and show what we are capable of."

Hales have been boosted by the return of forward Iyseden Christie from an injury lay-off.

Hill also has a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the weekend. The only absentee for the Ilkeston game will be Aaron Daniels who will be serving his suspension following his red card against Matlock Town.

The Yeltz go into the game on the back of an away draw against an improving Marine side last Saturday.

Town fought the adverse weather conditions in the north to claim a point against the only side to have beaten them during their recent run of form.

Halesowen had a chance early on, as Joe Hull looping header hit the bar and came back out to Ben Haseley, whose point blank shot was well saved by Matt Cooper.

Marine came close on 10 minutes, as Lloyd Ellams claimed the ball in the box and blasted the ball at goal, but Matt Sargeant reacted brilliantly to deny Marine the lead.

The Yeltz took the lead on 26 minutes, as Haseley cut into the opposing penalty area and hit an aerial ball towards the back post, which resulted with Marine’s James Foley heading the ball into his own net.

The second half was a different affair for the Whites of Liverpool, as they switched to a more attacking style of play, Andy Nicholas’ headed effort just ricocheted off the outside of the post, while Liam Blake’s powerful shot clipped the outside of the post.

Marine got the goal they were searching for on 70 minutes, as a cheeky attempt from range by Liam Blake ended with the ball hitting the underside of the bar and bouncing across the line to top off a good spell of attacking football.

"It is a good away point for us but on reflection we should have taken our chances to win the game," added Hill.

"The weather conditions made it hard going at times but we still created enough to take the points."