CREWE FC took a step closer to lifting the Crewe and District FA Cup for the fourth year running when they hammered Cuddington on Saturday.

Nathan Southern notched four times for the hosts, who completed the 7-0 rout with a Nathan Tickle brace and Andy Jackson’s first goal for the club.

The Cheshire League Division One table-toppers have won the trophy the past three years and boss Carl Everall was delighted to see them book a quarter final spot.

Everall first won the trophy as a player under the guidance of previous manager Ian O’Reilly.

“Ian always said it's the Crewe Cup, so a team from Crewe must win it – it's all about pride,” said Everall. “That mentality is the same now.”

Southern’s four strikes took his competitive tally to 38 goals in 38 games and the in-form striker has attracted attention from higher-ranked sides, however the forward has reassured boss Everall he is staying put.

“Arguably the best finisher the club has seen Super Suv, as he's known at the Cumberland Arena, already turn down two Evo- Stik teams and a number of North West Counties sides,” said Everall.

“He's our most important player without a doubt. He doesn't have to be our best on any given day, but he still scores the goals which win the games. I tell him week in, week out 'you only need one touch to win us the game'.”

Crewe welcomed back Jackson and Ant Tinsley in place of Luke Goddard and Matt Pearson, but saw Great Britain Police international Andy Parkinson carried off injured on 15 minutes.

Despite the visitors striking the bar early on, Crewe ran out easy winners and may face rivals Sandbach United in the last eight.

“We controlled the game very well,” added Everall. “It was a convincing win where we were able to show real superiority.

“I asked them go out second half and show people how we play, the lads did that, a real pleasure to observe.

“Chris Jackson and Josh Rowley stood out to me, both playing in slightly different roles to what they're used to.”