Elton Vale 5 Hollinwood 1

Elton can be satisfied with their first half performance as they scored four goals and put the points safely in the bag. They did take the pressure off in the second half when they could have made further improvement to their goal difference.

It only took four minutes for Vale to get in front when Cameron Whittle worked his way into the Hollinwood penalty box where he was fouled. Gareth Gardener converted the spot kick.

Hollinwood were allowed to get back on terms when the lively David Lewis fired in a shot from 18 yards that hit Marvin Browne on the arm as he slid in to tackle. A harsh penalty perhaps but a gift happily accepted by the visitors.

The unfortunate Nial Crowe in the Hollinwood goal showed that he is perhaps not a regular keeper with involvement in Vales next two goals. On 20 minutes he concocted a complete air kick as he came out to sweep behind his defenders. Gardener was alert enough to get to the ball first and walk in his second.

Hollinwood put together an impressive series of passes after 33 minutes but overcooked it and it was just one mistake that allowed Shaun Carey to collect the ball and rush toward goal. Crowe came out and upended the Elton man and would have surely gone for an early bath had the referee not allowed advantage as the ball fell to Jamie Treanor for another easy score.

As the break approached Gardener looked for his hat trick but his one on one with Crowe this time went with the keeper. Not to be denied Gardiner got onto the end of a cross from Treanor on the wide left on the stroke of half time.

To say the second half was an anti climax is an understatement after Gardiner collected his fourth when Careys looping cross finally came to earth at the Elton strikers feet. It was an opportunity for the Vale to assert their superiority

Four teams that shared the same number of points before Saturday all won so now all sit on 10 points as only 3 points cover the top 7 clubs.

Elton Travel to Premier Division Royton this week in the Lancashire Shield (3.15). The reserves are also away so no game at Elton Vale this weekend.