HAVING looked the better side early on, Elton Vale were blown away in a disastrous 20-minute spell midway through the first half which saw Dukinfield race into a 3-0 lead that ultimately proved unassailable.

Vale started strongly with Ryan Standring stinging the keeper’s hands with a typically well-driven shot.

Danny Moult and Steve Simms also had shots well saved by the talented Town keeper, who combined great shot-stopping, with excellent handling and distribution.

A physical Dukinfield side were clearly rattled and lucky to keep 11 men on the pitch at times following some strong challenges.

Vale did have some defending to do, and were indebted to a brilliant last-ditch block from Rick Young and a fingertip save by Brad Holt to stay on level terms.

After looking in control of the game, disaster struck for Vale midway through the first half.

An innocuous attack down the left saw Stuart Telfer drawn from his right-back position, leaving Town’s left winger unmarked on the edge of the box and he picked his spot to score past Holt.

Vale imploded as Town added another two goals before they finally gathered themselves.

Ernst was brought into midfield and demonstrated what a fine prospect he is, showing a willingness to tackle and good composure on the ball when under pressure.

The likelihood of a dramatic comeback diminished in the early minutes of the second half when Vale missed several golden chances.

Gardiner hit the woodwork with a shot and created several more chances but Vale could not get the better of the Town keeper and their opponents added a fourth goal late on to underline their superiority.

This week’s visit of high fliers Wythenshawe will provide another stern test.

The reserves suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Hindsford. They will get a an immediate chance of revenge in the return fixture at the Tyldesley ground on Saturday.