YOUNGSTER Nigel Penney has given Halesowen Town boss John Hill a selection dilemma ahead of the eagerly awaited FA Third Qualifying Round tie at Marske United on Saturday.

Hill was delighted with former Blackheath and Tipton striker’s display against Market Daryaton on Tuesday - scoring one and setting up two more - in 3-1 win that pushes the Yeltz up to fourth in the Evo-Stik Northern League Division One South.

It was a performance that has given Hill plenty of food for thought as he looks forward to what will arguably be Town’s toughest game of the season to date.

“Nigel has worked hard as he has some good forwards in front of him,” said Hill. “He took his goal really well and he has certainly given me a few headaches for Saturday.

“He’s another option even if he doesn’t start. We rested a few lads on Tuesday and the lads who came in all did well but I’d much rather have that situation than the other way round.”

Marske of the Northern Division One are still to taste defeat this season in 16 league and cup games and in the last round pulled off a shock win over Frickley Athletic.

“We sent a scout up there at the weekend to watch them and they move the ball around well, play in wide areas and play to a big lad up front,” said Hill.

“I’m sure it will be a tough and tight game, I can’t see either of us running away with it. They beat Frickley of the Northern Premier in the last round so that speaks volumes for how difficult it is going to be.

“It’s the FA Cup and all on the day but we are ten games unbeaten and I’d be lying if I said i wasn’t really pleased.

“We have a few with bumps and bruises after Tuesday but nothing serious other than the long term injuries which are well documented.”

Hill said the three points gained had also come at a vital time: “We are aware that we have three or four games in hand on teams above us who have points on the board.

“I’m not putting us up there as potential league winners but it was important we stay in touch. We played really well for 75 minutes and although Market Drayton had a good spell the damage was done by then.”

Reports on Halesowen’s 3-0 win at Eastwood in the FA Trophy last Saturday and the 3-1 defeat of Market Drayton are available online at www.halesowennews.co.uk