 Born in Scunthorpe, Ellender joined Scunthorpe United as a YTS trainee, and went on to sign professional forms, but was released at the end of the 1993–94 season without having made a first-team appearance.He joined Northern Premier League club Gainsborough Trinity, where he became captain, and led the club out in their 1997–98 FA Cup first-round tie against Lincoln City.After a 1–1 draw at Lincoln's ground, Sincil Bank, Gainsborough went out 3–2 in the replay, also played at Lincoln.