Hero Keane hits 25-yard missile
DAN Keane fired in a spectacular 25-yard shot to become the hero of Shelley’s 2-0 win at Atherton Laburnum Rovers.
Matty Waller was also on target as the Huddersfield side climbed to fourth in the Hallmark Security North West Counties League First Division North with a second successive victory, which also left Atherton second-bottom.
Keane notched after 34 minutes and Waller early in the second half as Shelley spoiled the managerial bow of new Rovers boss Wayne Harley.
The victory might have been greater still had Sheiden Rodgers’ 75th-minute header not been ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
Close-season signing Rodgers, a former Huddersfield Town junior, is still awaiting his first goal, but it’s not for the want of trying. “It’s starting to come together for him, and if Sheiden keeps working ahead and plugging away, he’ll be fine,” said Shelley manager Ash Berry.
“I thought he’d cracked it on Saturday, and he put the header away well, so it was disappointing to see it disallowed.”
There was no doubting the quality, and legitimacy, of Keane’s second goal of the season.
The 20-year-old, who featured when Shelley were playing in the top flight of the West Yorkshire League last season, has adapted to step six of the non-league pyramid impressively.
Versatility adds to his appeal of a no-nonsense player who goes about whatever role he’s handed with the minimum of fuss.
Wideman Waller’s trickery means he often catches the eye, and he was Atherton’s pick as the Shelley man of the match after a bright display, his third such nomination from the opposition.
His goal, also a second of the season, was bent around the keeper after a neat passing move on the edge of the penalty area.
Waller lives in Northwich, Cheshire but originates from Halifax, and arrived at the Stafflex Arena in the summer on the recommendation of Berry’s righthand man Howard Cartledge.
He has previously played for Halifax Irish and Bradford sides Campion and Eccleshill United as well as Shelley’s neighbours AFC Emley, were he was coached by Cartledge at Under-19 level.
Next up for Shelley is Saturday’s trip to 11th-placed AFC Blackpool, who fought out an entertaining 3-3 draw at high-flying Oldham side Avro on Saturday.