But the 19-year-old bagged his second goal for the Shaymen to help them to an 3-1 extra time victory.
And he enjoyed each of the 120 minutes even if he had only planned on playing 90.
"Because I had not played for a couple of weeks I felt a bit rusty in the first half," said Ellis, who made seven substitute appearances for Stockport County and has had spells with Guiseley and Droylsden.
"But as the game went on I felt I got into it more.
"I am still looking for more improvement, but it was nice to get a goal.
"My legs were in pieces in the last 20 minutes or so but it was the kind of workout that helps improve your fitness."
Ellis may have to settle for a place back on the bench against Chorley in Unibond One North this afternoon, but he is happy to be bide his time as the team bids for a seventh successive league win.
But he is always ready for action and, having been used as a winger and a striker in midweek, is ready to play anywhere.
"The team is on an amazing run at the moment and you expect it to be the same week in, week out," he said.
"I am only 19 and I am happy to wait for my chance and take it when it comes.
"I would play in goal if I had to!
"I like to play on the wing, but obviously I will play anywhere the manager wants me to play and will do my best in that position."
Vince was keen to give Ellis a chance to play a full game - his first since the League Cup clash with Wakefield in September - and was pleased with the youngster's efforts.
"I thought Danny did really well for us on Tuesday night," he said.
"He has pace, he got into the right areas and was a constant threat.
"We just need to work on his end product."
While Ellis admitted to feeling the effects of a longer than expected run out against Sheffield, he believes that the players who start today will be ready for action.
"We are a fit squad," he said. "Sometimes we are expected to be two or three up early in a game but we are about wearing teams down and scoring when we get on top."