Air Miles Manchester League Division Two

ELTON VALE RES..................................7

AVRO RES..............................................2

THE snow at Tintwistle led to the first team game being called off as early as Thursday last week so for the sixth consecutive week the reserve side got a home fixture completed.

The Elton squad was without several first choice performers so it was a chance for the recent weeks' sidelined players to show their skills to the management.

It was one of the newcomers, Rob Higham, that took the plaudits in the first quarter of the game as he took a hand in three goals.

After five minutes he turned his man in midfield and laid a pass into the path of Tom Smith who finished well.

Two minutes later Leon Davies did well to play in a 50-50 between Higham and the keeper, the Vale midfielder proved the stronger and was able to regain his feet the quickest to tap home.

After 20 minutes Tom Stubbs lost and won the ball in quick succession and fed Higham who had made good space on the right. A strong burst past the full-back and a powerful cross found Davies at the far post to head in Eltons third.

Avro had put their stamp on the game as well as they rebounded back immediately after going two down when a free-kick from the edge of the area was saved by Dan Caldwell but the keeper was offered no support as the Avro forwards reduced the arrears.

They were unlucky not to get on level terms in their next attack as their midfield was allowed a free run before despatching a shot bound for the bottom corner before Caldwell, at full stretch, intervened again.

With ten minutes to the break Elton forced a corner on the left and Jackson's deep inswinger gave Damian Berry the easiest of headers.

Number five was not far behind as Gary Davenport once more held up the ball waiting for his support to arrive. A well timed ball into the path of Stubbs gave the wide man a chance to shoot across goal and into the far side of the net.

The second half followed a similar pattern and it did'nt take long to increase the score as Jackson laid in a free-kick to Davies who made space for his shot that came back off the keeper for Davenport to score.

Midway through the half Elton completed their scoring as a Stubbs cross was met with a diving header from Davies.

The pressure had come off and although Elton still made good progress it was Avro that completed the days scoring as a corner was conceded and rewarded with the centre forward having a free shot from 15 yards out.

The side now has 19 points and have bridged the gap from the relegation threatened to the comfort zone. The signs are that they will move further up the table.

Hopefully the run of form will continue on Saturday as they once more play at home to Rochdale Sacred Heart Res

The first team start a difficult March fixture list as they travel to Hollinwood in an attempt to put some daylight between the two clubs. Both games start at 2.30pm.