Too little too late

UP AND AT’EM . . . Heyside’s James Leonard, the scorer of his side’s first goal, and Shelley’s Danny Lockwood challenge for a cross. PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

Heyside 2, Shelley 4

HEYSIDE showed a strong collective spirit as they went down to table-topping Shelley in Division Two of the Huddersfield and District League at Royton 3G.

Trailing 4-0 after less than an hour, Heyside produced a late rally and were unfortunate not to rescue a point.

That recovery came in the game’s final quarter when James Leonard slammed home a Carl Taylor delivery after 70 minutes, followed moments later by an Andrew Fulham close-range effort from Leonard’s flag-kick.

A clear shout for handball against a Shelley defender was missed by the referee as the match drew to a close, and there were a couple of decent chances to salvage a share of the spoils.

This was opportunity that went begging to narrow the gap on the division’s leading pack.

But player-manager Jordan Smithies and his squad are aware promotion is in their hands. Evergreen club secretary John Norbury (67) and treasurer Mick Cummins can boast a productive association spanning the best part of three decades. Heyside is the latest evolution of a name that began with the likes of Weatherseal FC.

Norbury said: “This was a potential six-pointer for us and now with eight games left we will have to win at least seven, or maybe even the whole lot, to get promoted.

“Looking ahead, and should we reach the top division, I would like to see how we fare before considering a move to a higher league.

“Uppermill made that move to the Manchester League, but that was after they had won the Huddersfield League title. We carry on and we’ll see where this season takes us.”