ELTON Vale, after two weeks in cup competition, got back onto the league trail at third placed Wythenshawe Town.

Despite the previous night's Sportsman's Dinner the players set about the days task with a degree of controlled play, rather than the speed and aggression that had seen them conquer Hindsford convincingly the previous week.

Elton created two early chances as Lee Dickinson latched onto a poor clearance and returned a cracking shot that skimmed the bar, then Dave Malius put wide a simple chance from a John Armstrong cross.

Wythenshawe's main tactic was to feed long to their centre forward, and one of the few times he evaded the shackles of Wilkes or Dearden, Danny Holland was on hand to save at the foot of the post.

The Vale finally took the lead with their best move to date when the ball was played from defence into right midfield and then switched through the centre via Doran to provide Armstrong the chance to supply a telling cross that

Malius headed home.

A similar move was nearly converted five minutes later as Dickinson rose above his marker to power a Hutchinson cross just over the bar.

In the next attack the roles were reversed as Hutchinson's header was somehow parried and nestled gently at the foot of the post.

Elton's pressure had gone unrewarded, but with five minutes to half time Malius looked in an offside position, when he latched on to a long clearance, and his pace made sure no-one got near him as he advanced on the keeper and slotted home.

The second half saw a more lethargic performance from the Vale as it appeared they were sitting on a winning lead. Admittedly they continued to dominate the game but they did not make the clear cut chances that would have broken the heart of the Wythenshawe side.

To their credit Vale coped with everything thrown at them but with 10 minutes left a poor call led to Dearden ducking under the type of ball he had been feeding off all afternoon.

The Wythenshawe man behind him could not believe his luck as he was left free to go round Holland and score.

Elton travel to Milnrow tomorrow to meet second in the table Rochdale Sacred Heart in what could be a critical result come the end of the season.

The reserve team won through to the next round of the Open Trophy with a convincing 3-0 win over Stand Athletic Reserves. Rayner, Tom Smith and Coyle were the scorers. Tomorrow they play host to Irlam MS. Both games start at 2.30pm.