CREWE ALEX 1 WATFORD 0

FOLLWING the midweek defeat by Wimbledon a much-changed Alex side took on Watford, still looking for a win on their travels.

Into the side came Steve Foster, Efe Sodje, Neil Sorvel and Phil Carnock in place of Narvarro, Lunt, Macauley and Collins

Rodney Jack was also back after recovering from the injury sustained against Rushden and Diamonds in the Cup.

Watford took the game to Crewe in the opening exchanges and they were soon causing problems on the left.

Glass provided two good chances for the Watford attack. The first was a shot and the second a point blank header, both of which were well taken by Bankole.

Much of the early Crewe progress came down the right flank where Jack was proving quite a handful.

Crewe's first opening however, was created by Colin Little, which allowed Rob Hulse to get in a shot on goal. This was parried and the rebound met by Jack, who could only fire over.

The breakthrough came on 37 minutes after Shaun Smith's freekick was headed back by Dave Walton and Rob Hulse got on the end to ram it home, giving the Alex a slender but well deserved lead.

After the break both sides pushed forward as Watford tried to get back into the game and Crewe looked to make the three points safe.

Although no goals were forthcoming, Bankole had be on his toes and made a fine save to deny Gayle.

Watford also had an escape when what seemed a certain penalty was turned down.

But the final whistle saw a much-needed clean sheet and improved performance from Crewe to take three points.

Crewe: Bankole, Foster, Smith, Sodje, Walton, Charnock, Brammer, Sorvel, Little, Hulse, Jack. Subs: Ince, Collins (Little), Thomas (Charnock), Barrett, Street, (Jack).

Attendance: 6,507