Double boost as Brooks and Westwood commit to the cause (From Warrington Guardian)

Double boost as Brooks and Westwood commit to the cause

CREWE FC have had an early Christmas present with a double boost to their plans for a revival in 2005.

Top scorer Gareth Brooks is set to stay despite reported interest from NWC Division One neighbours Nantwich Town.

Ex-Alex youth player Lee Westwood could also be in line for a quick return from Biddulph Victoria.

Both are likely to be integral players for Ian O'Reilly's side as the team makes their bid to climb away from the foot of Mid Cheshire League's Division One.

The boss was, unsurprisingly, delighted.

"Gareth's told me he's decided to stay here for the rest of the season which is good news for us," he explained.

"Lee's asked if he can come back and that's also a big boost for us.

"I think that's my Christmas present and both are big players for us."

Their Crewe Cup clash with Winnington was abandoned at 2-2, last Saturday.

They fought back from a surprising 2-1 deficit to level things up by the end of the 90 but the ref deemed it too dark to continue.

Steve Parker buried a neat one-two with Danny Massey to see them cruising at 1-0 on 15 minutes.

The duo along with Martin Cauldwell had numerous chances to convert their dominance into goals but Winnington bagged their only chances to lead at the interval.

One way traffic continued in the second half and Massey netted a 65th minute penalty to equalise but they couldn't find the net again before the final whistle.

"We could have done without a replay," added O'Reilly.

"But at least we're still in the cup and I'm still in a job.

"We had quite a few out but that's no excuse, we made enough chances to win the game."

Crewe FC face a two-week break now ahead of league action with mid-table Rylands due next on January 8.

"We've got to face a lot of the bottom teams so we're confident we can climb out of trouble," concluded O'Reilly.