MANAGER John Hill has singled out Halesowen Town's defensive qualities as a major factor for their fine form.

The Yeltz held promotion contenders Ilkeston to a 0-0 draw at The Grove last Saturday to maintain their unbeaten run since the new year began.

Hill's men currently boast the second best defensive record in the Northern Premier League behind FC United of Manchester. They have conceded just 25 goals in the 28 games they have played.

Hill said: "Shutting teams out is an aspect of our play and something that I aim for as a manager. It is something that the team works hard on.

"It is definitely a reason we have done so well so far this season. The whole team must take credit for it, not just the defenders in the squad.

"We attack as a unit and defend as a unit."

The team's defensive grit was again on display last Saturday against Ilkeston.

After an even start, the Yeltz enjoyed the better of the latter part of the first half. Haseley made a fine run down the left and squared the ball for Tonks to shoot weakly at Smith in the 31st minute. Two minutes later Smith was in action again as he grabbed a deceptive back header from Christie from Tonks's long throw-in.

Outstanding defending in the 39th minute saw home captain Curtis Tilt win three challenges in quick succession on three different players to clear the danger. Second later, Ilkeston's Akil Wright made a good run and his final shot was turned away by Sargeant at the post and from the resulting corner Reid's cross from the bye-line was cleared.

Halesowen looked more likely to snatch any second half winner as a series of dangerous long throw-ins from Tonks into the heart of Ilkeston's penalty area continued to cause havoc and Haseley's liveliness up front also posed a constant threat.

The final chance of the game fell for Ilkeston substitute Bradley Fortnam, but he shot into the arms of Sargeant as honours remained even.

"I think a draw may have been a fair result but it is a game that I think we could have won," said Hill. "We defended well but had chances late in the game to take all three points.

"We just needed our decision making to be better at times."

Hales will look to maintain their unbeaten start to 2015 when they travel to take on Frickley Athletic this Saturday.

Town's squad has been boosted by the arrival of highly rated attacking midfielder Jake Jones from King's Lynn Town.

Chelmsley Wood based Jones, 21, had been sought after by a number of clubs and John Hill admitted he was pleased to finally capture his signature.

"Jake is a player who I have admired and followed all season. We already have a lot of endeavour in our side so hopefully Jake is the type of player to unlock a defence when it's needed."

Jones is a talented midfielder who signed his first pro contract with Walsall in the Summer of 2011 after progressing through the youth system.