A LACKLUSTRE second half performance saw Elton Vale succumb to defeat against Royton.

The first half was an entirely different story, as Elton dominated the game for long periods but failed to convert their advantage into tangible results.

Elton were using their wide men to good effect, and Dave Malius saw his effort saved after Tom Stubbs had pulled the ball back from the byline.

A sucker punch followed and when Hulme cut across field, leaving Vale players in his wake, his cross-shot beat Maylon at the far post.

Elton still looked the better side and, after having little luck with previous dead ball opportunities, a well delivered corner induced a scramble in which Damian Berry got a telling final touch.

Royton then had a man sent-off for a poor challenge on Berry, but came out for the second half fired up.

Elton could have gone into the lead, however, when Sharples made a 60-yard run into the Royton penalty box but had his ankle tapped as he prepared to shoot and was left prostrate. The officials deemed that no offence had taken place.

The visitors were made to pay for the missed chance when Royton went into the lead.

Worse was to follow as Maylon came from his area to repel another attack but brought down the attacker. A red card was inevitable but the linesman flagged for a penalty.

Stand-in goalie Lee Gaskell’s first touch was to push the spot kick onto the bar. However, Royton did complete the victory minutes later with a converted penalty that Hulme fired home.

Elton’s reserves won 3-1 win against Rochdale SH. Jimmy Finch, Jon Darby and Jamie Treanor scored the goals.

The first team are at home on Saturday to East Manchester and the reserves travel to Prestwich. Games start at 2pm.