JOHN Hill says Halesowen's battling success at bottom side Skelmersdale United was a major step to the magic 50 point mark.

The manager is determined to reach the points total sooner rather than later to ensure his side is in the Northern Premier League next season.

Three points at Skelmersdale last Saturday moved them to 38 points in 18th place, nine away from fourth-from-bottom side Frickley. They bagged a 2-1 win thanks to goals from defender Liam Slade and striker Ethan Delaney.

Hill said: "Certain people may look at the game and see that Skelmersdale are bottom and a team we should be beating, but they have a new management team and have had an influx of young players.

"It was potentially a tricky match and we have had to dig deep to get the win.

"It's important for us to keep daylight between those below us. We have a cushion at the moment and will look at that 50 point mark again.

"We would obviously like to be aiming higher than that but that's the situation we are in and have to target safety first."

Hill was full of praise for goalscorer Delaney, especially given the fact the forward is nursing a groin injury.

"Ethan is a wholehearted player who gives his all when he's on the field, which is why he is a fans' favourite.

"He works so hard for the team and is often an unsung hero so it's great for him to get some recognition when he finds the back of the net.

"He is playing through injury at the moment so we are having to look after him a little but just playing week-to-week, rather than mid-week games as well, is really helping him."

The Yeltz will now go to Warrington Town this Saturday looking for more points towards their survival aim.

Again they will have to assess a host of injury concerns, including Lee Chilton, Jay Denny and Brad Lewis.

"We are expecting another tough game against Warrington. They are a side that beat Stourbridge but have lost to some other teams you didn't expect," he added.

"Hopefully we can go there and produce another solid performance."

Hill confirmed he is still on the hunt for a few more additions but that nothing is imminent just yet.