HALESOWEN Town's togetherness as a squad could prove the key to coping with life in the Northern Premier League, says chairman Colin Brookes.

Brookes believes the team's understanding may be an important weapon after manager John Hill kept the majority of last season's championship winning team together.

"It's great for the club that we still have a lot of the players from last year," he said. "The additions we have brought in all look very strong as well but it is that togetherness and understanding that could prove the difference this season at a higher level.

"It will be a tough ask at times as there are a lot of good sides with experiences players from a higher level. However, the bond the players have after going unbeaten for so long at the end of last season is very important."

It was a team featuring a majority of last season's title winners that triumphed over Conference North side Hednesford Town on Monday night.

The win maintain an encouraging set of results during Halesowen's pre-season preparations.

The Yeltz dealt comfortably with early Pitmen pressure as Ben Bailey's header from a ninth minute corner was blocked. Halesowen then looked dangerous and twice went close with Danny Crane saving well in the 25th minute.

Hotshot Ben Haseley opened the scoring in the 35th minute after Jamie Ashmore missed a through ball from Neil MacKenzie, allowing Haseley to calmly round keeper Crane and slot home.

The Pitmen levelled on the stroke of half-time following panic in the home defence when Paul Sullivan controlled a cross and lofted the ball over home goalkeeper Matt Sargeant and an ensuing collision between home defenders Curtis Tilt and Kris Green resulted in an own goal.

However, Tilt struck an unstoppable 20 yard volley from the edge of the penalty area just seven minutes into the second half to make it 2-1.

Late on, Iyseden Christie fired over the Hednesford bar after combining with substitute Robert Thompson-Brown in the 82nd minute.

The win followed a 1-1 draw away to Tividale last Thursday.

Brookes thinks Haseley is more than capable of continuing his goalscoring exploits this season.

He added: "Goalscorers tend to be able to score at any level as long as they get the service. I think that will be the case for Haseley."

The Yeltz will now end their pre-season with a home friendly against Black Country Rangers this Saturday (3pm) after Warrington cancelled the original fixture between the sides.