Elton Vale 4 Fives Athletic 1 (From Bury Times)

Elton Vale 4 Fives Athletic 1

7:10pm Thursday 8th March 2012 in Amateur Football

A QUICKFIRE goal from Gareth Gardiner set the scene for a commanding performance as Elton avenged their recent Murray Shield defeat to Fives.

After taking the lead on three minutes, Elton doubled their advantage five minutes later, Ryan Wilkes driving home a half-volley from just outside the box.

Fives responded through an Adam Berry strike but the home side made it 3-1 before the interval, Matt Barnes scoring at the second time of asking.

A second Gardiner goal sealed victory after the break, ensuring Elton leapfrogged Fives into fifth place in Division One of the Manchester League.

Elton are at home to Salford Victoria on Saturday (2pm) and meet local rivals AFC Bury in the Kenyon Cup semi-final next Wednesday at Ramsbottom United’s ground (7.30pm).