CREWE FC booked a cup final date with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Sandbach Town, last Saturday.

That makes it a second successive appearance in the Crewe Cup Final, some consolation after this month's League Cup exit with an agonising 4-3 extra-time defeat to Crosfields in the semis.

Dave Hanson lifted spirits with four goals at the Cumberland while 18-year-old Ben Parkin got the pick, a fine lob over the keeper as Crewe did a job on Sandbach.

Now they can banish last year's disappointment of a 1-0 defeat to underdogs Alsager Facility at Nantwich Town's Jackson Avenue.

"We're glad to be there," said boss Ian O'Reilly.

"Our reserve team coach Ali Armstrong took the team and they did well

"The lads were still down after losing to Crosfields, they had taken it into extra time with literally the last kick of the game.

"I had a feeling then it wasn't going to be our day."

It's back to league action with a trip to high-flying Rylands on Saturday.

O'Reilly hopes to give new signing Martin Caudwell his debut and may need to draft a keeper in if Steve Harding fails to recover from injury.

Caudwell is a forward who has had North West Counties experience with Warrington Town and Nantwich.

"He's a busy player and should be a good asset to the team," added O'Reilly.

"We're hopeful Steve will make it but if it doesn't improve during the week, I'll have to try and bring someone in.

"We've had a lot of injuries of late and it's been difficult to carry."

Striker Mike Hilditch is also expected his return after a lengthy injury lay-off.