Till's men register narrow win

Frost on the ground at Shroggs Park football pitch.

Till had to play in goal against Hebden Royd Red Star Reserves at Queensbury School, after Pawel Szypulski had pulled out with a chest infection, and he was beaten five times by hot-shot Lewis Cockroft.

However, Till could still afford to smile at the end of the second division contest after his side hit back from a 4-1 deficit at half time to win 7-6.

Victory helped Shelf close the gap on the top four with games in hand on all of them.

Shelf hadn’t played on the school pitch since November and the long grass provided a cushion from the frost-hit surface below.

Cockroft, a prolific marksman for Star’s first team in the Premier Division, kept Till busy picking the ball out of the net.

James Cowens also scored for the visitors.

However, Shelf had plenty of success at the other end of the pitch, goals from Gary Boldy (three), Kyle Peel (two), James Grace and Sam Collins giving them the edge.

Also in Division Two, Illingworth St Mary’s Reserves and Denholme Reserves battled out a 1-1 draw on the Trinity Academy 3G pitch.

Denholme took the opportunity to give some first teamers a much-needed run out and this helped provide a competitive game for Illingworth’s youngsters.

Chances were few and far between in an even first half with solid defending from both teams and neither ‘keeper really tested.

The introduction of Danny Moralee provided instant reward for Denholme early in the second half when his long range effort was deflected into the top corner of the net, giving Saints ‘keeper Tony Clarke no chance.

Second-placed Illingworth were lifted by three changes on the hour and Tom Kershaw broke clear following a through ball and finished well to bring the sides level.

Denholme’s prolific striker Michael Midgley struggled to break clear of man of the match Kyle Butler whilst Brian Matthews had a great chance to score a late winner for Saints but his shot ballooned over.