Crewe 5 Gamesley 0

BOSS Carl Everall insists Crewe FC are playing catch up in the Cheshire League Division One title race, despite sitting second after hammering Gamesley on Saturday.

Nathan Tickle scored twice, before Josh Rowley, Chris Jackon and Nath Southern completed the rout.

The win leaves Crewe four points adrift of leaders Garswood United, but three of the top four hold games in hand on Everall’s side.

“Too many have extra games and we've left ourselves too much to do,” said the player-manager.

“We are taking it one game at a time and our first aim is to beat least year’s points’ tally of 52, which in itself was a new club record.

“The progression of the senior set up and the club in general has been incredible. My main worry at this moment in time is to learn the players how to turn their kits the right way round after the game!”

Southern, a goal behind Barnton’s Colin Quirk as top-scorer, opened the scoring 11 minutes in before adding a second from Rowley’s delivery two minutes later.

Jackson, Ian Carr and Southern all missed chances before Rowley, the provider for the first two, added a third in the 44th minute.

Crewe entered the break with a four-goal advantage as inter-league representative Jackson’s fine solo run ended with a finish from outside of the box.

Southern made it five after the hour mark, curling into the top corner from 25 yards, before Crewe introduced PJ Hudson, Matt Pearson and Lee Smith.

A productive afternoon for Crewe, who kept their third clean sheet in four outings, was rounded off with news Garswood had drawn 1-1 at Eagle Sports.

Everall added: “Josh Rowley was top class and took his chance well coming in for Andy Parkinson. As was Ethan Tizard who along with Chris Jackson, are the stand out players at this moment in time.

“There's a real team emphasis on what we’re trying to do. It's not about one player, it's about the badge, the club and making sure we all strive together to take Crewe FC in the right direction – on and off the field.”