Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division

BREIGHTMET UTD... 0

ELTON VALE...4

VALE claimed what could well prove to be a priceless three points from their short trip up the A58 to Moss Park against opponents who are also involved in the relegation battle.

Having started the game nine points behind Breightmet but with four games in hand, Elton turned in a disciplined and hard working performance to clock up their biggest win of the season.

They could well have been in trap one at Belle Vue, such was the pace set from the first whistle as they stormed forward in search of an early breakthrough.

The hosts were rocked back as the Bury side continually carved open their defence in the first fifteen minutes but Steve Smith, Ian Hutchinson, Andy Sensale and Steve Howson were all guilty of missing the target from good positions, three of which were one-on-ones.

But Vale couldn't turn that pressure into goals and almost fell behind on twenty minutes when a full blooded thirty yard drive from centre back Phil Roberts hit the crossbar.

Elton quickly hit back and took the lead when Smith forced the ball over the line after John Burke's header from a corner had also come back off the bar.

They had that same piece of woodwork to thank again seven minutes later when Paul Aldred's header from a cracking cross on the run by Dean Bancks thumped against it and Breightmet's frustration was then further compounded as Vale scored twice in the last six minutes of the half.

Firstly Ian Hutchinson's inswinging corner went straight into the net with a little help from 'keeper Ryan France then a bizarre situation presented Vale with their third goal.

Andy Sensale went to ground under a challenge from France which left Mossley referee David Caldwell reaching for his

pocket to give the Elton striker a yellow card for 'diving' until he spotted a linesman with his flag across his chest indicating a penalty.

After consultation between the two officials Mr. Caldwell was brave enough to change his mind and award the spot kick which Steve Howson confidently drove into the roof of the net.

Breightmet manager Barry Norris then introduced big striker Paul Gallagher from the subs bench a few minutes later and this move looked to inspire his side.

Elton now had to show their defensive mettle as the hosts began to exert some pressure but the much more solid looking back line of Burke, Doran, Wilkes and new signing Martin 'Tommy' Hulme were well up to the task and were also aided by some sterling graft from central midfielders Howson and Stuart Stott.

But when that defensive quartet were breached Breightmet were having the same kind of luck in front of goal that Elton had been having in recent weeks as James Freeman's shot hit a post and then Steve Crossley pulled off a quality save to deny Aldred.

Vale soaked up the pressure and gradually regained control enough to push forward and grab their fourth goal in the 83rd minute, Des Hutchinson beat two opponents on the dead ball line before pulling the ball back to Smith who swivelled and tucked it away.

Crossley then denied Gallagher in the last minute when he kept out a rising drive to leave the Elton contingent hoping that this result and performance may just be the turning point in what has up to now been a traumatic season.

TEAM: Crossley 7, Burke 7, A.Doran 8, Wilkes 7, Hulme 8, Hopkins 7, Stott 8, Howson 7, I.Hutchinson 7, Smith 7, Sensale 7 Subs: S.Doran (for Hopkins, 75 mins), D.Hutchinson (for Sensale, 80 mins), Hannon (for I. Hutchinson, 84 mins)

Goals from Gary Davenport and Chris Read earned the reserves an excellent 2-1 victory over leaders New Mills reserves.

Vale are away to Irlam MS tomorrow and the reserves are at home to Atherton Town reserves. Both kick-offs are 2pm.