CREWE FC got the start they wanted to their home campaign with a 3-2 victory over Styal, last Saturday.

With the best away record in Division One, last season, the Mid Cheshire League outfit could have been challenging if not for poor form at the Cumberland Sports Ground.

So it was pivotal for an opening three points and they were claimed in a rollercoaster of a game.

Plenty of possession early on, Crewe couldn't transform it into an advantage but a clear-cut penalty gave them a chance and Mike Hilditch took it on 35 minutes.

Styal were boosted by a strong-finish and came out fired up in the second period.

An early missed penalty didn't dampen their spirits and they hit two quick goals as Crewe looked out of it.

O'Reilly made a treble substitution, bringing on ex-Nantwich player Martin Chesters, Julian Fleet up front and Gary Wood into the heart of midfield.

It paid off. Revitalised, Crewe started to cause problems and Liam O'Reilly equalised with a well-worked free-kick on 75 minutes.

They continued to pour forward and Gary Wood produced the goods with another stunning set piece, almost Beckham-esque, as they wrapped up three points.

"We showed some character out there and carried on some of that never say die attitude from last season," said O'Reilly.

"We looked dead and buried at 2-1 but the three changed it and it's the start we wanted."

Crewe entertain newly-promoted Daten, this Saturday, sandwiched between a double header against title favourites Middlewich, with the home game next Wednesday, KO 6.30pm.