ACADEMY graduate Kartel O'Neill made a blistering start to his Yeltz career when netting a late equaliser against Stafford Rangers on Tuesday night.

O'Neill, 17, was recently promoted to the first team squad and has wasted no time in marking his mark.

He struck in the last minute as Halesowen fought back from a 2-0 deficit to salvage a point. Loanee Ben Clarke had started the come back when he found the back of the net near the hour mark.

Manager John Hill was delighted with O'Neill's impact but was disappointed his players gave themselves so much to do.

He said: "I'm really pleased for Kartel. He has been training with us for a while now and it was only a matter of time until he got his chance.

"He is very much a modern day number 10 and has a lot to his game. He has good movement, can see a pass and handled the physical side of the game.

"It also shows our other academy lads that there is a route to the first team.

"I'm delighted for both him and Ben Clarke, who has come in from Kidderminster Harriers. They are both 17 and have had an impact.

"Our biggest problem was that we gave Stafford a two goal lead. You can't do that, especially against good sides in this league.

"It's frustrating because the training and build-up preparation is spot on."

The Yeltz had gone into the clash on the back of a 2-1 away defeat against Matlock Town last Saturday. James Bennett-Tindall scored for the visitors but it wasn't enough for them to secure rare back-to-back wins.

Meanwhile, Hales were boosted going into the previous two games with news they had secured the signing of forward Tristian Dunkley.

Dunkley's loan spell at the Grove was due to end this weekend but Hill wasted no time in securing his services from Hednesford Town.

Joining Halesowen on loan from the Pitmen in December and has led the line since top scorer Kaiman Anderson returned to Shrewsbury.

Another bonus for the Yeltz saw Ethan Delaney pledge his immediate future with the club despite interest coming in from elsewhere.

The Yeltz will travel to Skelmersdale United this Saturday looking for more points to help push them away from the Northern Premier League dropzone.

However, Hill has taken the step to call of training this week because of the amount of injuries within his team.

Lee Chilton, Jay Denny, Dunkley, Delaney, Brad Lewis and Asa Charlton are among those on the treatment table.