Halesowen given hope in Trophy quest

The Yeltz were preparing for a two-legged semi-final with Concord Rangers when the campaign was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

And though that put the future of the Trophy in doubt, the FA has now reiterated its desire to complete the competition at some point later this year.

Halesowen’s run to the last four was among the most remarkable stories of the season at any level of the game.

Paul Smith’s team, who play in the fourth tier of non-league, beat three National League Premier outfits including a 2-1 quarter-final victory at Barnet. That put the club within touching distance of a first return to Wembley since their three trips to the national stadium in the FA Vase during the 1980s.

Though their Trophy hopes remain alive, the Yeltz have already seen their league campaign cancelled and the club are expected to decide in the coming days whether to take legal action against the FA over the decision.

Halesowen, who sat second Southern League Central Division One before results were expunged, instructed solicitors to write to the league demanding more detail over how the decision was reached.

The Yeltz are now taking further advice before deciding their next move.