HALESOWEN Town are two wins away from a trip to Wembley after stunning non-league giants FC Halifax Town to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

Jamie Molyneux's goal early in the second half led the Yeltz to a huge upset over a Halifax side who play three divisions above Halesowen and could be plying their trade in the Football League next season.

The win over the Shaymen - third in non-league's top flight - was Halesowen's second victory against a National League side in successive rounds, having already knocked out Maidenhead United.

Paul Smith's Yeltz will find out their next opponents in Monday's 1pm draw but they will fear no-one after knocking out the third highest-ranked side in the competition, non-league's version of the FA Cup.

Halesowen are the joint lowest-ranked side remaining in the Trophy, alongside Essex outfit Aveley, who also play in the fourth tier of non-league football.

National League clubs Barnet, Notts County, AFC Fylde and Harrogate Town are among the other sides Halesowen could draw, along with second-tier Concord Rangers and third-tier Royston Town.

In addition to Maidenhead, the Yeltz had already shocked National League North sides Gateshead and Bradford Park Avenue in previous rounds - but the win at Halifax topped the lot.

Boss Smith had compared the challenge to Walsall taking on Manchester City but the giant-killing spirit was truly alive as his side produced a heroic performance.

The hosts had won five straight games and piled on the pressure in the opening stages and created the first half's best chance as Robbie Bunn's shot was saved by the Halifax keeper.

The big moment came in the 49th minute as Robert Evans' through ball slid in Molyneux and the striker coolly beat the home stopper with a composed finish.

Halesowen had to endure some nervy moments as Halifax went close to an equaliser on a couple of occasions but they hung on to send the 346 travelling fans into raptures.

The quarter-finals take place on February 29, with the final - if, hopefully, we are not looking too far ahead - on Sunday, May 17.

Halesowen have already come through seven rounds to reach this stage since their Trophy campaign began in September, playing 12 games including replays.

The Yeltz are no strangers to Wembley, having played there three times in four years in the 1980s, winning the FA Vase in 1985 and 1986, having been runners-up in 1983.