Whaley Bridge 0
Crewe FC 1

CREWE FC boss Carl Everall expects his side to keep the heat on the Cheshire League’s leading sides after victory at Whaley Bridge sent them third with nine games remaining.

A Nathan Tickle strike in the first half was enough for Crewe to return from Derbyshire with three points on Saturday, leaving them six points behind leaders Garswood United.

Everall was delighted with a win at seventh-placed Whaley Bridge and expects a tough fixture on Saturday when the sides line up again at the Cumberland Arena.

“A wonderful result against one of the better sides in the league,” said Everall.

“We now have nine remaining games to try gain a final point’s tally which will hopefully have a chance of competing with the top two sides Barnton and Garswood.

“If we follow through with the same attitude and quality, I`m confident we will have no problem in remaining in the top three come May.

“I’m sure with that game under their belt the home side will only benefit and be even tougher next week when we play them at the Cumberland Arena.”

A flowing move started with goalkeeper Sam Williams, progressed up field with some neat passing before Ian Carr chipped the ball into Tickle.

The forward brought the ball down on his chest, jinked past the defender before dinking an effort past the keeper and off the inside of the post.

The hosts’ best chance came from a corner when a Whaley defender’s header was tipped onto the bar by Williams.

Crewe had opportunities to double their lead after the break with Tickle, Danny Lavalette and Andy Jackson all going close “The squad were excellent,” added Everall.

“Especially in the opening 45 minutes. It’s probably the best 45 minutes I’ve seen from us all season in terms of controlling a game given the good quality of the opposition.

“With players missing as well, it made the result even greater, it’s just a shame we couldn’t extend our lead to tie up the game earlier which would’ve definitely helped us relax a little more in the second half.”

Crewe: Williams, Tizard, Malbon, Goddard, Everall, Carr, Jackson, McNichol, Parkinson, Lavalette, Tickle. Subs: Massey, Parker, Donegan, Pearson.