ELTON VALE...3

BREIGHTMET UTD...1

BY far Elton's best display of the season saw them overwhelm their newly promoted neighbours periodically to collect three useful points.

The result was a thoroughly deserved one as they came from behind to produce some sparkling football.

And while no-one is getting carried away, four wins from their last six games - albeit two of them in knock-out competitions - is certainly not relegation form.

Another shaky start saw Vale come under some early pressure and 'keeper Phil Rainford had to turn a shot from Damien Harper away for a corner.

But the home side gradually began to steady themselves only to be dealt a blow in the 20th minute when last defender Dave Wilkes slipped at the vital moment leaving James Freeborn with a free run at goal which he duly ended by finding the net.

The Elton engineroom pairing of Steve Howson and Stuart Stott begun to get into their stride, covering almost every blade of grass, and as the ball continually reached front men Andy Sensale and Des Hutchinson they proved to be a real handful for the visitors defence.

But it was right back Matt Hannon who grabbed the equaliser in the 27th minute, popping up in the opposition six yard box to force the ball over the line following a long throw-in from Wilkes.

Stott had already pumped over some dangerous corner-kicks and it was from another one of these that Vale took the lead five minutes later. Hutchinson finding space to head home from four yards for the goal his efforts warranted.

There was a pulsating start to the second half though for within twenty seconds of kicking-off Breightmet should have drawn level when Rainford could only palm a low cross to the feet of Harper who unbelievably scooped the ball over the bar from six yards.

Play immediately swung to the other end and an incisive move split the United defence but Howson's shot was superbly turned away by 'keeper Anthony Jackson.

From the resultant corner Howson this time came off best when he met Stott's outswinging flag kick fifteen yards out with a spectacular sideways volley that flashed just inside the near post.

Elton continued to dominate for long periods but Breightmet weren't finished and Rainford was called upon three times to tip close range efforts over the bar with one point blank reflex save being particularly impressive.

Vale could no doubt also have added to their total courtesy of some swift breaks from midfield that carved open the Breightmet rearguard but too often the final ball was cut out.

As it was though Elton played down the clock to run out comfortable winners and now need to build on the confidence gained from such a performance and this together with more new signings being added to the squad this week means the future is looking distinctively brighter.

TEAM: Rainford 8, Hannon 7, Wilkes 8, A.Doran 8, Jones 8, S.Doran 7, Howson 8, Stott 8, Read 7, Sensale 8, Hutchinson 8 Subs: Hopkins (for Read, 80mins), Burke & Battersby (not used)

The reserves lost 2-1 at Breightmet with John McDermott scoring Vale's goal.

It's another double header 'local derby' tomorrow against Prestwich Heys with the first team away and the reserves at home. Both kick-off at 2pm.