YELTZ boss Paul Smith believes his side's FA Cup extravaganza with Altrincham can only help to Halesowen Town back on the map.

Despite their 2-0 defeat, Smith insists his players did the club proud in front of the television cameras and cursed their bad luck after hitting the woodwork twice while also being denied by some top class goalkeeping.

Smith insisted: "The result apart, it was a great day for the club and just shows how far we've come in such a short space of time.

"I'm convinced the turning point in the game came after we lost Reece Hewitt. He was our engine and it was a real blow when he had to come off after 65 minutes.

"I think we lost that bit of the pitch when Reece came off and Altrincham took full advantage.

"We probably did well to get as much out of Reece as we did, but as soon as his hand went up, we knew we had to act.

"It was bitterly disappointing to have to bring him off, but you have to think of the player and the long term damage that a calf strain could cause."

Smith now turns his attention to the FA Trophy and Saturday's trip to Evesham United.

Honest Smith accepts the game might come too soon for Reece Hewitt, but he expects to have the talented trio of Robbie Bunn, George Forsyth and Josh Hawker all available.

Smith added: "It's a great opportunity for us to progress further in the competition. Evesham are the same level as us, Step 4 and are currently going well in the promotion places.

"But if we do things properly, it's a game we can go and win.

"More importantly, it gives us another opportunity to have days like we had on Saturday.

"Obviously promotion remains the objective but the game against Altrincham just shows the potential at Halesowen.

"To have around 1300 specators was outstanding and the ovation the supporters gave us after the game was simply unbelievable and something that will stick with me for a long time.

"I'm only gutted that we couldn't give them the win they so desperately wanted - but it wasn't from the lack of trying.

"It'as wonderful how the supporters have taken to me and bought into what we're trying to do.

"The league remains the holy grail and we will be giving it 100 per cent to get this club back up to the next level again."