HALESOWEN Town got their pre-season schedule off to a winning start with a hard fought victory against Romulus.

Two late goals sealed a 3-1 away win for the Yeltz against their former league rivals.

Halesowen featured nine of the 11 players that started against Belper on the final day of last season, with Iyseden Christie and Joe Hull giving way for new signing Joel Kettle and Peter Till.

Chairman Colin Brookes said: "It is good to get going once again. It is all about fitness and getting fully prepared for the new season.

"We looked nice and solid and got to play a few new lads.

"Everyone at the club is working hard following promotion and it was a good, steady start for us."

It wasn't long before the Yeltz showed their superiority in the game. They took the lead seven minutes in when Aaron Griffiths' corner was headed across the face of goal by new-boy Joel Kettle for Ben Haseley to direct the ball home after reacting the quickest.

However, as the game went on, Romulus started to look threatening and the Yeltz were punished for poor defending on 35 minutes.

Scott Meer hit a ball deep into the Yeltz penalty area and Danico dived down to header the ball past keeper Sargeant to ensure the sides were level at the break.

With the game entering the final 15 minutes, Aarom Griffiths brought the ball down on the edge of the 18 yard box, turned and smashed the ball through a crowd of players and into the bottom corner.

The Yeltz claimed a third goal late on as substitute Robby Thompson-Brown chipped the ball over former Halesowen keeper Paul Evans and then tapped it into an empty net.

The contest proved to be a good workout as Halesowen as they prepare for life in the Northern Premier League.

They will now travel to take on AFC Wulfrunians this Saturday (3pm) before hosting their first home pre-season friendly against Stafford Rangers on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Tickets for the Stafford game are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for children under 16.