Hat-trick heroes in face-off as Shelley meet table toppers

HAT-TRICK heroes Craig Billington and Rob McCartney are set to go head-tohead when Shelley tackle table-topping Carlisle City at the Stafflex Arena today (3pm).

It’s National Non-league Day and with Huddersfield Town inactive because of the international break, it’s hoped fans will turn out to watch their local Hallmark Security North West Counties League side at their Storthes Hall ground.

Hard-working striker Billington bagged a treble as Shelley beat Daisy Hill 4-1 last Saturday to go fifth in the First Division North.

The 28-year-old – a former Halifax Town junior who has also played for Brighouse Town and AFC Emley – was signed from Liversedge this summer to spearhead Shelley’s attack in their debut season at step six of the non-league pyramid, and has 12 goals from 14 games.

Meanwhile, McCartney celebrated being named Macron First Division North player of the month for September by scoring three times as Carlisle won 5-3 at Cumbrian rivals Holker Old Boys on Wednesday to claim top spot.

The ex-Workington frontman has netted 17 goals in 14 games.

While Ash Berry’s Shelley have won two on the spin, it’s four victories running for Carlisle, who will be hoping the 140-mile journey to West Yorkshire goes more smoothly than their midweek jaunt to Barrow side Holker.

After the team bus broke down, manager James Tose and squad were forced to complete the trip in a fleet of cars.

Berry could hand a second start to 17-year-old Huddersfield Town midfielder, Dahomey Raymond, who has made three appearances on work experience.

It’s the first of two attractive home games in three days for Shelley, who face Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side Frickley Athletic in the second round of the Sheffield Senior Cup on Tuesday at 7.45pm.