ELTON Vale’s prospects of avoiding relegation from the Manchester League Premier Division suffered a setback when they lost to Prestwich Heys at Sandgate Road on Saturday.

Both teams cancelled each other out in the first half but Heys got on top in the second and took a fortuitous lead 10 minutes after the break.

There were danger signs when Ash Opara cut in from the left but he got lucky when his shot, which was going wide, took a wicked deflection for what turned out to be the winne as Heys held on for the win.

Vale, who currently lie third bottom of a division from which three clubs will be relegated, are at home to bottom club Rochdale Sacred Heart on Saturday, kick off 2pm, and travel to Hollinwood on Wednesday.

Vale Reserves, who lost 1-0 to Leigh Athletic at the weekend, travel to Springhead tonight and are away to Prestwich on Saturday.