The scoreline is not a true image of this game which unfolded in three distinct stages.

The first half belonged to Wythenshawe, 35 minutes of the second half was dominated by Elton and in the last ten minutes Vale succumbed to injury and their own attempts to force something out of the match.

The visitors' normal formation was severely tested as Wythenshawe presented themselves with five men across the centre of the park and consistently posed a threat down Vale's left flank.

Their wide man was always available as a spare man and full back Chris Read was put under pressure from the Wythenshawe men.

A few crosses came in which, with better distribution, could have done more damage to the visiting defence but in real terms did not trouble keeper Holland to any great extent.

Elton did not seem to be able to emulate their opponents and found it difficult to put together any flowing movement.

As they seemed to be finding their feet, Lee Dickinson sent a warning shot that skimmed the bar with the keeper beaten. Two minutes later, and one of the Wythenshawe attacks bore fruit as another sweep down their right this time dipped into the feet of Holland and his clearance hit the advancing Weatherill and cannoned into the net.

The keeper made up ten minutes later as he saved bravely in a melee of feet from both sides in a goalmouth scramble.

In the second half, Dave Wilkes was introduced in the centre of midfield to match the numerical advantage Wythenshawe had created.

Elton all of a sudden were a different team as they left little space to their opponents and began to win the ball and use it more intelligently.

The threat from the right was neutered as Davies was able to protect his space much more effectively.

The chances came straight away as a free kick from Loster found Damian Berry clear in front of goal, usually a clinical finisher from six yards, Berry screwed the ball wide of the post.

Ten minutes later and one of Elton's better moves created space for Malius in an identical position to Berry's sadly an identical finish ensued.

Halfway through the period and another incisive move gave Doran a chance as the ball fell nicely, from ten yards the ball went over the bar and into the trees.

With less than ten minutes remaining Elton were forced into their last substitution with manager Shaw taking the field to replace Davies and Loster who could not continue with their injuries.

Turn back the clock five years or more and it may have been a fair swap but the loss of a man at this stage helped to throw the game to Wythenshawe as Wilding scrambled a goal from a set piece and in the last minute Weatherill broke free to give a flattering scoreline.

The reserves came back from 4-1 down to neighbours Prestwich and should have grabbed a late equaliser as they went down 4-3 with goals from Jackson, Smith and Davenport.

Pennington are the visitors to Elton Vale on Saturday as the first team return home after a month on the road.

The reserves travel to Avro in a relegation clash. Both start at 2pm.