O'Reilly wants big improvement (From Warrington Guardian)

O'Reilly wants big improvement

CREWE FC boss Ian O'Reilly believes his side have got to improve after last Saturday's disappointing 2-2 draw at lowly Cheadle.

Not the best way to start the year, it could have been even worse until two goals in the last ten minutes spared Crewe's blushes and saved a point.

Former Alex trainee Lee Westwood had the best chance for the visitors in a drab first half that Cheadle edged.

And it was them who took the lead on 50 minutes when Martin Caudwell lost possession on the half-way line and Cheadle netted on the break.

Poor defending cost them again as the home side looked likely winners, making it 2-0 on 74 minutes.

O'Reilly decided to go for broke, throwing four forward and Caudwell atoned for his early mistake with a well-taken goal on 80 minutes.

Cheadle were on the back foot with some desperate defending and they caved in with two minutes to go as sub Gavin Day buried Gary Wood's corner on the far post.

"It was very disappointing with them in the bottom two," said O'Reilly.

"We've haven't played much over the last two months and it showed.

"We have got to improve.

"We're not defending well and we don't keep many clean sheets.

"You always fancy us to score but we only come alive when we're left chasing the game."

He was pleased with his super sub who saved the day.

"I'm pleased for Gavin Day," he added.

"He'd only been on the pitch for about 18 minutes and he did give us something.

"He scored and then had an easier chance for a winner in stoppage time."

Crewe FC travel to ninth-place Bollington on Saturday, knowing victory will left them above their opponents in the table.