EDDIE Johnson seized on a potential Alex lifeline with his double at Quorn on Tuesday night.

In a week dominated by the future of Nicky Maynard, the 23-year-old could yet end up as a shock replacement next season.

Could it really be third time lucky for Johnson after walking out on Crewe twice over the years?

He’s certainly making the decision tougher, bagging two in a 4-1 stroll for Steve Holland’s side.

While hopes were pinned on a Maynard/Calvin Zola partnership, maybe Alex fans saw a glimpse of the future as Johnson stepped in at Leicestershire.

Zola gave Crewe the lead, heading home fellow new recruit Joel Grant’s left-sided cross on 14-minutes.

Both went close to adding more damage before Michael O’Connor’s stunner on the half-hour.

Zola teed up his strike partner for the third and while Justin Jenkins netted shortly after the restart, Johnson restored order.

“We know of his ability,” said Holland.

“We’re not starting from square one with Eddie.

“We’ve got a couple of weeks before we make a decision, he’s got himself in good shape.”

Meanwhile Tom Pope was trying to prove his credentials, bagging a brace in a 5-0 at Biddulph Vics.

It was comprehensive stuff at the Midland Alliance outfit as new number one Steve Collis had almost nothing to do throughout.

Both Shaun Miller and Pope impressed before the former Vics striker buried Julien Baudet’s downward header on 20 minutes.

Mark Carrington and Byron Moore gave the hosts plenty of problems down both sides and after Miller rattled the post, McCready bundled it in after more fine aerial work from Baudet.

While Pope added a third on the hour mark, both Miller and Moore had rattled the woodwork before Crewe made their dominance count.

Sub Colin Daniel volleyed in a fourth and Miller finally hit the target with a rapid fifth on 78 minutes.

The duo went close to more in a decent finale while impressive youngster James Bailey didn’t put a foot wrong in an unorthodox left-back role.