ELTON VALE...4

STOCKPORT GEO...3

A SCINTILLATING first hour display saw Vale twice hold a three goal lead, almost went un-rewarded, as a second half fight back by the visitors threatened to force a draw.

But the home side held out and were well worth the valuable three points collected in an entertaining encounter.

Georgians' preparation was hampered by their late arrival and they were soon put to the test as Vale tore into them, playing some delightful stuff.

With no recognised 'keeper available, defender Dave Wilkes took over between the posts but had very little to do in a one-sided first half, with Elton three up inside the first half hour.

He did have a hand though in setting up a marvellous first goal in the 10th minute, when he threw the ball out to left back Ian Hutchinson whose sweet pass along the touchline released Matty Jones, he in turn whipped over a low cross that was swept in by Chris Hopkins.

Vale kept up the pressure and two goals in as many minutes put them firmly in the driving seat.

Firstly Andy Sensale glanced a header from an Ian Hutchinson cross into the bottom corner of the net and then turned provider, as he laid the ball into the path of Steve Howson who drilled it home from the eighteen yard line.

Des Hutchinson was then foiled by a defender's outstretched leg just as he was about to shoot from 10 yards and Howson also went close.

Shell-shocked Georgians came out for the second half in a much more determined mood and reduced the arrears in the 55th minute when Dave Morgan's back header looped over Wilkes but under the crossbar.

However, the three goal cushion was restored within two minutes when Sensale got the final touch to an inswinging corner, once again coming from the boot of Ian Hutchinson.

Stockport still refused to accept defeat and grabbed a lifeline when Tim Sammons forced the ball through a crowded goalmouth and into the net for their second goal.

Morgan set up a grandstand finish when he rose highest to head home the third on 75 minutes.

Vale had chances to wrap it up in the remaining time but Lance Whittaker drove wide from close range and then overhit a square pass to Sensale when a crack at goal looked the better option.

At the other end Wilkes had to pull off a top class save as he clawed the ball out at the foot of the post.

As it was, Vale played down the clock with a spot of 'keep ball' and the final whistle came with their lead still intact leaving the decent sized crowd to retire to the clubhouse for a nerve settling beverage.

TEAM: Wilkes 7, Hannon 7, Burke 7, A.Doran 8, I.Hutchinson 8, Hopkins 8, Howson 8, Read 8, Jones 7, Sensale 8, D.Hutchinson 7 Subs: Whittaker (for D. Hutchinson, 70 mins) 6, Taylor (for Jones, 75 mins) 6, S.Doran (not used)

The reserves won 3-2 at Stockport with goals from John McDermott, Stefan Shaw and Neil Anderton.

Vale are at home to Wilmslow Albion tomorrow, kick-off 2pm.