Lancashire FA Amateur Shield 4th round, Longridge Town 0 Elton Vale 1

(after extra time).

A SOLITARY goal from centre forward Derek Watson in the first period of extra-time finally settled this blood and thunder cup tie and sent Vale through to the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Shield for the second successive season.

They were made to fight all the way on a heavy, gluepot surface by a stubborn Longridge side - the Preston League's sole survivors in the competition.

But having had the greater share of the play, Elton's quality was eventually rewarded as they won by the narrowest of margins after a very hard-working performance.

The visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck in the early stages and their outstanding player on the day, centre back Steve Dearden, was very unlucky to have two goals disallowed inside the first 20 minutes when he moved upfield at dead ball situations.

The first effort saw a linesman's flag cancel out a header for offside and then the ref spotted a shirt pulling infringement to rule out the second.

But Fold took these setbacks in their stride and were well on top only to come up against a 'keeper in fine form in the tall shape of Gavin Bates, who confidently collected anything that came his way.

Another stumbling block was Town centre back and skipper Stuart Howson, who led his back line in determined style as the home side battled to repel the numerous Vale attacks, in which John Armstrong and Chris Hopkins were both instrumental as out and out wingers.

Elton's game plan to use the flanks wherever possible was working very nicely indeed but, for all their efforts, Vale found themselves still drawing a blank at the half-time whistle.

The second half was much the same story with Longridge restricted to counter attacks as Elton had a far greater share of possession and created all-round better chances.

Dearden headed over unmarked from just five yards out and Paul Owen sidefooted the ball straight at Bates from close range at the end of a sparkling move.

Dave Malius then had the custodian at full stretch on two occasions but his dipping cross shots from well beyond the eighteen yard line flashed inches wide of the post.

On the occasions that play did swing to the other end, Dearden was ably assisted by Anthony Doran, Damion Keegan and Nick McCool as they forced their opponents into hopeful long shots that hardly troubled 'keeper Alan Telfer.

Elton were forced into making one change though when Armstrong was felled by a brutal two footed challenge and took no further part in the game. The offender was very fortunate to receive only a yellow card but another rash kick at Keegan in extra-time saw the Longridge man take an early shower.

Having held out until the 90-minute mark, the home side must have felt confident of doing the same up to the final whistle and then taking their chance in the penalty shoot-out.

But after defending so well they will be kicking themselves for the goal they conceded in the 97th minute. They were caught dozing as Vale took a quick, short corner and when Stefan Shaw whipped over the final ball Watson lost his marker and buried a firm header into the net from eight yards to raise the temperatures of the Elton supporters on a bitterly cold afternoon.

The action still wasn't over though as Town hit back and Telfer pulled off a stunning save, twisting backwards to clutch the ball right on the goal line as the partisan home crowds' voices rose in anticipation of an equaliser.

Dave Malius and Steve Smith then had good chances to seal the result in the last few minutes, only to put their efforts wide. It didn't matter, because when the ref blew for the final time, Elton were into the hat for the last eight stage, where they have been drawn at home to Downall Green United on January 4 (kick-off 1.30 pm).

ELTON VALE: Telfer 7, McCool 6, A.Doran 8, Dearden 9, Keegan 7, Hopkins 8, Shaw 8, Owen 7, Armstrong 7, Watson 7, Malius 7 Subs: Price (for Armstrong, 58 mins) 6, Smith (for Owen, 92 mins) 6, S.Doran (not used)

MARTIN Rayner scored the reserves' goal in their 2-1 home defeat by Leigh Athletic reserves.

It's back to domestic action for the first team tomorrow as Dukinfield Town are the visitors for a Manchester League Gilgryst Cup Quarter-Final tie that kicks-off at 1.30 pm. The reserves are without a fixture.