ELTON VALE...1 WILMSLOW ALBION...2: ANOTHER hard luck story for Vale as missed chances, softly conceded goals and an inspired display from Wilmslow 'keeper Peter Tristram combined to send the visitors home with a victory.

The former Leigh RMI stopper pulled off a string of top class saves to thwart an Elton side that certainly deserved a draw.

Despite kicking into the teeth of a howling wind in the first half Vale almost took the lead straight from the kick-off when Andy Sensale broke through the Albion defence but shot into the side netting.

Wilmslow quickly began to take a grip on the game as Elton's midfield was a couple of yards off the pace and Albion's Peter Clarke was soon running the show from that area. But it took a piece of sloppy defending in the 20th minute to gift the visitors the opening goal.

Fabio Polverino was given far too much space to pump over a cross from the right but 'keeper and defenders were sightseeing as they allowed the ball to bounce on the six yard line leaving Andy Fairclough time to stab it home.

Vale hit back and Tristram pulled off a marvellous save when he acrobatically back flipped to catch a Des Hutchinson header on the line then twice foiled Sensale by palming shots away.

Elton though were fortunate not to concede a 40th minute penalty when Anthony Doran body-checked Polverino in full flight as Wilmslow tried to increase their lead before turning round into the gale, but there was to be no addition to the score come half time.

When it was expected that Vale would pepper the Albion goal from the re-start they did exactly the opposite in the first five minutes culminating in them rashly giving the ball away in the centre circle, from which Wilmslow quickly broke forward and Fairclough again got between defenders and 'keeper to touch home Stuart Fenna's cross for the second goal.

Elton responded in the right manner and Chris Read was unlucky to see his twenty five yard snap shot bounce off the inside off a post and roll across the open goal.

A triple substitution on the hour mark sparked some extra life into Vale and it was now one way traffic towards the Albion goal. Eight minutes after entering the fray Steve Smith pulled a goal back when he latched onto Steve Crossley's long clearance before coolly lobbing the advancing Tristram.

Elton's corner count in the last half hour was almost in double figures but Wilmslow dealt with those that reached the danger area although one in the very last seconds led to Sensale volleying from eight yards what looked a certain goal until Tristram somehow managed to turn it over the bar for another flag kick that was promptly followed by the final whistle.

TEAM: Crossley 6, Hannon 6, A.Doran 7, Wilkes 6, I.Hutchinson 6, Hopkins 5, Stott 5, Howson 6, Read 5, Sensale 7, D.Hutchinson 6 Subs: Smith (for Stott, 60 mins) 7, S.Doran (for Hopkins, 60 mins) 7, Burke (for Read, 60 mins) 6

Vale are away to Atherton Town tomorrow and the reserves are at home to Breightmet United reserves. Both games kick-off at 2pm.