ELTON Vale virtually assured promotion to the Manchester League Premier Division with a 3-1 win at home to Pennington on Tuesday.
They had the chance to go up on Saturday but lost 2-0 at home to Chadderton Reserves.
Matthew Booth rocked the Vale with a speculative shot that sailed into the top corner after only four minutes.
A number of chances went begging for Elton before Chadderton worked a fine second goal from Matthew Wilkinson.
But the Bury side bounced back in midweek, opening an insurmountable gap to second-placed Leigh Athletic with a comprehensive victory.
Steve Simms scored twice and Adam Young got the other goal.
Only Irlam can now pip Vale to the second promotion place, but they would have to win seven of their remaining eight matches and hope Elton lose all of their last three.
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