HAPPY Halesowen boss Paul Smith believes his players can achieve big things this season as long as they work hard to ensure standards don't slip.

The Yeltz progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy with a 3-0 replay win at Stamford on Tuesday night.

They came out on top thanks to a late brace from Montel Gibson and a Reece Hewitt strike.

That success followed a disciplined 2-0 success over Dunstable in Southern League Central Division One last Saturday.

Smith said: "You have lots of ups and downs in football but this has been one of my most satisfying weeks at the club so far.

"The week before I was Mr Grumpy around the place because I felt the players had got too comfortable. I put that to them and they have reacted brilliantly.

"I said that Dunstable was our most professional of the season but they bettered that at Stamford.

"It is probably the best performance from any side I have managed.

"They have set the standard now and it's important we don't drop below that.

"This team is capable of going on to do something really special this season and can win things together, but they must keep going and keep the standards high to achieve that. That is their challenge now."

Halesowen will look to keep the momentum going when they host Grantham Town in the second qualifying round on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Smith doesn't think balancing the league and cup should be an issue for his squad.

He added: "The key thing to me is that some boys are finding themselves on the bench due to no fault of their own as we change shape or style for different games but then come on and make an impact.

"I've had people say before that a big cup run will put a dent in your league form but I don't see why that has to be the case.

"I don't agree with that because we have a big squad and the league only has 20 teams in it, so I don't see why we can't have both.

"Grantham might well be a step above but I believe the squad we have put together is better than the level we are at and we'll go into the game full of confidence.

"It's a game we are all relishing."

New forward Simeon Cobourne (ineligible) and Ash Parsons (unavailable) are both set to return for the weekend.