Halesowen Town one step away from return to Wembley

The Yeltz will finally play their FA Trophy semi-final today, away behind closed doors.

But their fans will be watching a live stream both at home and at The Grove.

And some fans will be allowed to attend the final on September 27.

Keith McKenna, co-owner of the club and director of football, said the players were "quietly confident".

He said: "I can't wait, it'll be a bit of a rollercoaster. We're all excited, it's one step away from Wembley so it's massive.

"We didn't think the game was going ahead at one point, so the fact that it's happening is really exciting.

"The players all seem very focused and up for it and excited. They've had such a good run, they're up for the challenge and quietly confident.

"For everybody involved it's been good this year. For all of us it would be absolutely mind blowing to be honest."

He added: "The club got to Wembley 30 years ago, in total we've been three times, won twice and lost once.

Adrenaline

"It would be amazing for the town itself and the club. We're confident we can do it again.

"We'll be streaming it live in the stadium on a screen so fans can watch it. We thought we could give something back to the fans.

"On September 27 it looks like we'll get fans in there.

"Because there's so much at stake I think adrenaline will take over.

"Both teams have never played without fans so it's the same for both, it's just who plays better.

"They've come back from lockdown, they look very fit, we've played a few friendlies and they've looked very strong. I'm hoping that's going to stand us in good stead.

"They're generally a fit bunch of players. We've had about six games already. Fitness-wise they should be perfect, we've got no fear about that.

"We've got stronger as the games have gone on."

The team travelled down to Essex yesterday afternoon and McKenna said they had a team meeting planned then aimed to relax this morning with a late breakfast ahead of the match.

"Hopefully we can bring the Wembley dream back," he added.

The match will kick-off at 3pm today.