Returning duo help make point
CRAIG BILLINGTON and Matty Waller returned to action – and combined to help Shelley take a point in a 1-1 draw against Steeton at the Stafflex Arena.
The pair were among a number of players unavailable on Boxing Day, when Ash Berry’s side suffered a disappointing 4-1 home defeat by Bacup Borough.
The manager demanded an improvement in the only Yorkshire derby in the mainly Lancashirebased Hallmark Security North West Counties League – and got it.
Billington, the striker brought in from neighbours Liversedge to spearhead Shelley in their first season at step six of the non-league ladder, scored his 21st goal of the campaign.
The 28-year-old former Halifax Town junior headed home from Waller’s well-delivered free-kick on 34 minutes.
This game was a tale of two textbook goals, because Steeton had gone in front four minutes earlier, when Aaron Hollindrake netted for the ninth time this season with a header from a corner.
Both sides went into the contest eager for victory after taking just one point from the previous nine available, but had to be satisfied with a share of the spoils.
A second stalemate between the pair this season – they drew 3-3 in Keighley back in August – left Shelley ninth and Steeton 11th in the First Division North.
The Huddersfield side host leaders Longridge Town on Saturday, and Berry will be looking for another gritty performance.
The manager made four changes, bringing in centre-back Adam Daffern and striker Sheiden Rodgers, as well as Billington and Waller.
Versatile Carlton Pownall, starting a three-match suspension after his red card in the 4-4 draw at Cleator Moor Celtic, Gary Driscoll, Liam Smith and Allan Greenwood all missed out.
Shelley began well, and former Huddersfield Town junior Rodgers, playing alongside Billington up top, tested Alfie Stevens-Neale early on. The Steeton keeper then did well to deny tricky left winger Waller at his near post as he wriggled through and unleashed an angled shot.
When another effort by Waller was spilled, Steeton managed to scramble the ball clear, then Billington headed narrowly over from a Waller cross.
Hollindrake’s opener was wellworked if a little against the run of play, but Shelley responded well.
Home keeper Paul Day made a fine save from Sam Rooke as Steeton started the second half in lively fashion.
But Shelley, with Israel Johnson impressing at left-back, had the bulk of the possession after the break, even if they couldn’t make it count.
Billington said: “Both teams wanted and needed a win. I thought we should have had three points, but we’ll take one and move on.”