IT was not just Aston Villa who were counting the cost of a 7-2 defeat at the weekend as struggling Manchester League Premier Division side Elton Vale were hammered.

The home side still thought they had a chance when they went into the half-time break only two goals behind — but they were certainly not prepared for the second half onslaught that followed.

Zak Galbraith reduced the arrears from the penalty spot but, just 30 seconds later, Liam Murray restored Hollinwood’s two-goal advantage.

Murray and his brother Daniel netted again, either side of Brindley being shown red just minutes after coming off the substitutes bench. Ryan Standring pulled one back for beleaguered Vale but Hollinwood restored their advantage through Simon Yates.

A seventh arrived soon after to cap a miserable day.

Vale’s reserves stopped their losing streak with a sound performance at Beechfield Utd — Jimmy Finch and Matty Booth scoring in a 2-1 win.

Elton go to Prestwich Heys on Saturday and the reserves are at home to Leigh Athletic, kick-off 2pm. The first team are at home to Gregorians on Tuesday at 6.15pm and the reserves travel to Springhead next Thursday.