Elton Vale bagged the first piece of silverware of the new Manchester League season with victory against Chapel Town in the Terry Wood Cup on Saturday.

The memorial trophy match, which is the league’s equivalent of the FA Community Shield, turned from a flacid encounter to a heart-stopper in the space of two hours.

Chapel started the brighter with Josh Wood weaving his way into the box before poking his shot wide.

Elton countered with Marvin Browne robbed by a fine tackle on the penalty spot and Steve Simms blazed his shot over the bar.

Browne had another chance when he got on the end of a Gareth Gardiner free kick, but his cross was scrambled away.

Vale had to defend a series of corners as half time approached but were allowed to break with Steve Simms running the length of the pitch to score after good work from Gardiner and Shaun Carey.

Chapel were back level within minutes after a free-kick deceived Brad Holt, who could only help the ball into the goal.

Gardiner converted a second half penalty to give Elton a 2-1 lead. However, lapses in concentration at the back gifted Chapel two goals.

Elton upped the tempo and with two minutes left Rick Young volleyed home the equaliser following a free-kick to send the tie to penalties.

A dramatic shoot-out followed with the score level at 5-5.

With the tie locked at 8-8, Elton goalkeeper Holt made a save before Sam Ernst missed the opportunity to wrap up the game as his penalty bounced off the post.

The ninth Chapel penalty attempt rattled the bar and Holt duly stepped up to despatch the winning strike.

The Manchester Premier League action starts this weekend with a local derby against Walshaw at Elton Vale Road (2pm). The reserves travel to Hollinwood (3pm).