HALESOWEN Town manager John Hill thinks Saturday's game against Skelmersdale United will be the perfect measuring stick for his team's progress.

The sides drew 1-1 in this season's opening fixture, from which United went on to power their way to the top of the table.

After a stuttering start, the Yeltz have hit a run of fine form that has seen them win four of their last five league games. They have only lost three of their last 12 games in both the league and cup competitions.

Hill thinks Saturday's game at The Grove is a chance for Hales to how how far they have come as a squad.

He said: "Skelmersdale will be a really good test for us. I think you'll be able to use it as a good measuring stick to how we have progressed this season.

"We drew the first game but they are a very good side. We have also improved since that first game and are full of confidence at the moment.

"We won't be approaching the game any differently."

The Yeltz go into the clash after going out of the FA Trophy at the hands of Conference side Gateshead last Saturday.

Hill added: "We did ourselves justice and I am very pleased and proud of the players for how they performed. We had a game plan and we stuck to it well and frustrated them for long periods.

"We had a great chance in the second half to level the scores so it might have been a little different as well."

Winger Chris Lait has now left the club to move to Rushall Olympic.

However, Hill has moved quickly to replace him in the squad by bringing in pacy wide man Aaron Daniels.

Daniels parted company with Bromsgrove Sporting last week after it was discovered he was actively seeking a move away from the club.