Everall: Crewe FC players did us proud (From Crewe Guardian)

Crewe FC make winning return to Cheshire Football League action

7:00am Friday 8th February 2013 in Sport

CREWE FC made a welcome return to action after an enforced two-week break in Cheshire Football League Division One, putting bad weather behind them in a 2-0 victory against Linotype CHN.

Cheadle’s representatives arrived in good form and looked lively from the start, but Crewe played some attractive football in front of a bumper crowd at the Cumberland Arena and were good value for a victory that means they have suffered only one defeat in 10 games.

Manager Carl Everall said: “After not playing for a while Linotype definitely asked questions of our fitness and desire to get back into form, but the lads were incredible, resolute and did the club proud.

“Before the game we had a pool of 37 players to pick from due to the reserves not having a game, but it’s nice to know we got it right on this occasion and the lads proved us right in terms of selection.

“Saying that, the next game against Gamesley is the most important and it is now down to those players to be consistent and work hard, as there is plenty of healthy competition.”

Top scorer Mike Blundell rounded two players to slot his side into the lead early on, and as the side with the best defensive record in the league Crewe rarely looked troubled as Linotype went looking for an equaliser.

The combination of Ant Tinsley and Luke Goddard held strong at the back as Stevie McNichol caused consistent problems going forward, but Linotype proved to be tough opposition as the hosts were limited to only a handful of efforts on goal after the break, with Josh Ruane firing the most threatening wide of the post from close range.

The attacking problems continued until managing duo Goddard and Everall combined with the ‘outstanding’ Mcnichol for Everall's decisive second-half strike from 20 yards out.

The victory lifts Crewe to sixth in the Divsion and only six points behind second-place Whaley Bridge having played two games less, meaning a continuation of their fine winter form could well propel them up the table as the season reaches its climax.