Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds 0

Crewe FC 0

CREWE FC will be top of the tree for Christmas.

A hard-earned point in Warrington on Saturday, along with Rudheath Social’s 1-0 loss to this weekend’s visitors Barnton, leaves them five points clear.

A few team changes were forced at Greenalls due to unavailability but the visitors settled quickly and with a bit more luck could have gone ahead in the opening 20 minutes of dominating possession.

After Tizard’s weaving run, he slid in Southern who fired his shot straight at the keeper and then from the rebound Tizard scuffed his shot wide from seven yards.

Crewe keeper Newton was called into action a couple of times as Greenalls grew into the game.

In the second half Greenalls were on top for longer periods and Newton pulled off several saves.

The back four also defended extremely well all afternoon.

The game began to open up in the final 20 minutes space was being found by both midfields.

Crewe were sloppy with their final pass in the final third and the greater pressure was again being produced by Greenalls.

One final good opportunity came for both sides in the last few minutes, first Burrow burst down the left-hand side and produced a wonderful cross to the back post.

It looked like Southern would just tap home from two yards but a Greenalls defender superbly got a toe to the ball.

At the other end Hanley had a good chance but his shot was straight at Newton.