Crewe FC fight for victory (From Warrington Guardian)

Crewe FC fight for victory

JON Dawson's last-minute winner spared Crewe FC's blushes in a 4-3 thriller at Reaseheath.

The former Nantwich Town striker produced the goods at the death to see off Curzon Ashton Reserves and make it a perfect start to the season.

Dawson saved his teammates from the riot act after they had managed to squander a 3-0 half-time advantage.

Determined to launch their planned promotion push in style, Crewe FC looked set to demolish the visitors at one stage.

Lee Westwood got them off to a flier by burying Liam O'Reilly's corner and then turned provider.

Bustling forward, he drew his man before squaring for Dawson to apply a simple finish for 2-0.

The duo then combined again with Westwood bagging his second to put Crewe firmly in the driving seat by the break.

Three converted set-pieces made it all too tense in the second half with the hosts dithering after conceding the first.

But Dawson saved the day with a fine individual effort, beating a couple en route to drilling the ball across the keeper, just seconds from time.

Boss Ian O'Reilly was a relieved man.

"We wanted three points today and we got them," he explained.

"I thought a good start was important to us and that's why we also moved Danny Brazendale up front in the last 15 minutes.

"The front two have done a job for us but we've got to look at silly mistakes we've made.

"Hopefully we'll learn lessons from that game because we were cruising at one stage and then panicking."

Crewe FC face the long jaunt to Glossop NE Reserves tonight, KO 7.45pm.

A home game at the Razza in Crewe against unknown quantity Monk FC follows on Saturday, KO 3pm.

"I think Glossop will be tough," added O'Reilly.

"They've got a first team in a higher league and it gives them a bit more pulling power. But we need to get a result there, we'll just take it game by game.

"We're on the Razza because Reaseheath is unavailable for this week."