YELTZ boss Paul Smith takes his troops into their huge FA Trophy last 16 clash at Halifax on Saturday - claiming: "It's like Walsall playing Man City!"

Around 400 fans are expected to make the trip north as Halesowen look to continue their fairytale giant-killing run this season in the competition - which is, effectively, the non-league FA Cup.

Town sit three divisions below their illustrious opponents, with both teams third in their respective tables - Yeltz in the Southern Premier Central Division One, full-timers Halifax the top flight National League.

But none of that - or a worrying clutch of players currently on the treatment table - is denting Smith's confidence and belief in his side.

They were buoyed last Saturday with yet another league victory, this time 3-1 over Barton Rovers, after an inspired trio of tactical substitutions saw Town come back from a goal behind to win 3-1.

Two of his subs - Luke Yates (two) and on-loan Burton Albion youngster Jack Holmes - grabbed the goals to keep Yeltz well in contention for their league title.

Now attention turns to Saturday, and Smith says his team have an 'inner belief they can beat anybody on their day'.

He said: "We will go believing we can get a result - it's been a fantastic journey so far and none of us want it to end.

"We know how strong they will be - we're looking at it like Walsall playing Man City.

"They are one of the best sides in non-league football, but we've already beaten some good sides in this run, and we have an inner belief if we are at our best then we have a chance of getting a result.

"We are taking a fantastic support with us, which is so, so important to the lads, and we want to make sure they all enjoy their day too.

"It's a day the club has been waiting a long time for, having been in the doldrums a bit in recent years, and I'm just proud to be a part of it."

Smith is sweating on the fitness of four key players - Simeon Cobourne, Paul McCone, Ahmed Ali and Andy Parsons - in addition to longer term injury victim George Forsyth.