YELTZ staged a late turnaround as Halesowen Town boss Russ Penn claimed substitutions proved ‘pivotal’ in the No.9 derby.
On-loan Walsall striker Charlie Wragg scored one and had a hand in another as two further goals from Kieran Donnelly completed the fightback against the Glassboys.
A crowd of over 3,000 at the Grove witnessed a typical blood ’n’ thunder dust-up as Liam McDonald’s side led within the first couple of minutes thanks to Ethan Freemantle.
But Yeltz staged a recovery and three goals in the last 11 minutes ensured they took the honours with a 3-1 win.
It was short and sweet afterwards for Penn who said: “We can make five substitutions at this level. It’s proved pivotal.
“The goal at the start of the game put us on the back foot. But eventually I think the quality shone through and the legs shone through.
“I thought our energy levels were good today. I thought we looked fresh. We thoroughly deserved the three points.”
McDonald was understandably upset at the outcome and pointed to a poor display after the interval as being key.
He said: “It’s hurting, the players are down. I’ve just told the players in there that there’s no point showing it now. They needed to do it in the last 15 minutes.
“We were winning the game. We wanted to come out in the second half and not do what we have done.
“The lads have worked hard in the first-half. And I thought we looked good for 45, we were the better team.
“We knew there would be an onslaught and we haven’t defended it very well.
“The second half was a non-starter for me.
“We’re disappointed. It’s not like us to run out of ideas and energy. They were on top for the last 15 minutes.
“In both games, there’s not been that much in it. We felt we could come here and win.
“The scoreline maybe flatters them in the end but it’s disappointing. We’re hurting but we got what we deserved for the second half.”
The three points put Yeltz six points behind leaders Bedford Town but with two games in hand – although there is a cluster of clubs at the top of the Southern Premier Central table all with a realistic shot going into the final stretch of the campaign.
Halesowen travel to Kettering on Tuesday night for a test of their promotion credentials but Penn deserved the last word.
He said: “If we had lost the game, my phone would have been pelted. I don’t know where it puts us but it puts us within touching distance.
“It’s a proper game of non-league football. Credit to both clubs for organising this – it’s not easy and I think both have come out really well.”
