NEW MILLS... 1

ELTON FOLD...2

FOLD progressed to the next stage of the Gilgryst Cup after a 'smash and grab' raid that stunned a team that only suffered two home defeats since the start of last season.

After being a goal down at the break from a penalty converted by Millers striker Chris Lees, Elton hit back in style to snatch two goals midway through the second half from Mark Isherwood and Steve Bray.

The impressive facilities at the Derbyshire venue include floodlights, a covered stand and a floodlit all-weather training ground but they also include a notorious sloping pitch that on this occasion was on the wrong side of good to soft.

Consequently, Elton changed their tactics to overcome this problem, opting for a 4-5-1 formation as they played uphill in the first half.

The ploy certainly worked despite some anxious moments as the Bury side were penned in their own half for much of the first forty five minutes, their only real chance falling to John Price just before the break

but he screwed his shot wide from the eighteen yard line.

The Millers had shown their intentions as early as the 10th minute when Lees beat the offside trap and bore down on goal but Elton 'keeper Steve Crossley pulled off the first of a string of fine saves.

Fold didn't heed the warning when the same New Mills player put a free header inches wide of the post from a 23rd minute corner kick and two minutes later they were punished after being caught napping at a quick throw-in.

When the ball was played into the path of the home side's other front man Rick Jones he was brought down by a late tackle from Fold centre back Steve Dearden for an obvious

penalty. The formation was changed for the second period as Elton pushed men forward and they grabbed the equaliser in the 63rd minute when two hesitant home defenders allowed Price to nick the ball near the by-line and pull it back for Isherwood to lash it past the 'keeper from the six yard line.

Having not seen much action in the home side's penalty box, this goal proved to be a real confidence booster and the winner then came in the 72nd minute when Crossley's long kick cleared the Millers square defence leaving Bray clear and he drove the ball home just inside the near post.

Elton could have increased their lead when John Armstrong was twice put clear but a lack of composure

at the vital moment saw one shot go too high and the other pass well wide

of goal.

Left back Damian Keegan then popped up at the back post to meet a Bray cross but was unlucky to see his firm header just clear the bar.

All the home side could now offer was a snap shot in the final minute from their midfielder Steve Littler which Crossley turned away at full stretch to preserve the lead and thus record an excellent victory.

Team: Crossley 7, Burke 6, Keegan 6, Doran 7, Dearden 8, Bray 7, Owen 7, Rayner 7, Price 6, Isherwood 6, Armstrong 6 Subs: Myerscough (for Price, 70 mins) 6, Shaw (for Isherwood, 75 mins) 6, Slater (not used)

The reserves lost 4-1 at Prestwich Heys reserves with Mark Rhodes scoring the goal.

It's back to league action tomorrow when Fold are at home to Springhead and the reserves travel to Wythenshawe Amateurs reserves. Both games kick-off at 2.30pm.