ELTON VALE endured a miserable start to 2015 as the home side lost 3-2 to Springhead.

The visitors were infinitely sharper from the off and were 3-0 ahead within half an hour. An improved second half was too little too late for Vale who suffered an eighth loss of the season.

Vale’s three man defence proved susceptible to attacks from the left and it was Springhead’s left winger who latched onto a long diagonal ball and shot past Mark Clapham from six yards.

Ten minutes later Vale were 2-0 down; conceding an almost identical goal.

Re-shuffling to a 4-4-2, gave the hosts a greater share of the ball. Springhead still created openings though and grabbed a third when their centre forward collected and dispatched a hopeful long ball.

Vale gave themselves a life-line when Rick Young scored a scrambled goal after Mick Browne headed across the six yard box.

Much improved after the break, Vale peppered the Springhead goal and the Oldhamers conceded a second when Shaun Carey steered in a Ricardo Williamson cross.

Vale went in search of an equaliser and twice Springhead defenders cleared off the line. The visitors also had chances on the break but failed to add a fourth.