Shelley out to make it a real Day to remember

AWARD winner Paul Day aims to shake off the rust and shut out one of the Hallmark Security North West Counties League’s most prolific goalscorers when Shelley visit Carlisle City today.

The 27-year-old has just been named the First Division North’s Reusch Goalkeeper of the Month for February after conceding only once in his last three appearances.

Seventh-placed Shelley, who are unbeaten in three games, were without a match last Saturday, while Carlisle, who are a place and three points above, have played twice in the time Ash Berry’s side have been inactive.

So Day, who is in his fifth season at the Stafflex Arena after joining from neighbours AFC Emley, will have to be extra sharp against a home side buoyed by Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Nelson.

It was only a second victory in 12 First Division North games for City, who topped the table back in September, and a maiden league triumph for recentlyinstalled manager Jim Nichols.

The former Kendal Town and Northwich Victoria keeper and Penrith manager, who left South of Scotland League club Mid Annandale to replace James Tose at Carlisle, has already led his new charges to the First Division Cup semi-finals.

His squad includes Rob McCartney, who, with 33 goals, is the top marksman in the First Division North and is joint-third in the overall North West Counties League chart.

He sealed City’s 1-0 win at Shelley back in October, although he needed a penalty to get the better of Day.

Shelley have 26-goal striker Craig Billington back in contention after a hamstring niggle kept him out of the goalless home daw with Chadderton last time out.

Shelley will hit the 50-point mark by winning at the Don Marks Carpets Stadium, otherwise known as Gillford Park and once home to big-spending but short-lived Northern League club Celtic Nation, who were at different times managed by two men with Huddersfield Town links in former manager Mick Wadsworth and ex-midfielder Willie McStay.

Before that, Gillford Park was used by Carlisle Rugby League Club.