CREWE FC boss Ian O'Reilly is chasing the signature of local hot-shot Gareth Rowe.

The 28-year-old former Leek and Alsager striker is currently without a club despite an enviable record in the lower leagues.

O'Reilly hopes to convince Rowe to play a part in their push for promotion in Mid Cheshire League Division Two.

"I've had a chat with Gareth and hopefully he'll agree to play for us," said O'Reilly.

"He's got a great record and would be a big signing for us."

The boss believes his squad is stronger than last year after promising signs in a 4-0 victory at Abbey Hulton.

Impressive new recruit Paul John Hudson gave Crewe an interval lead with his neat lob.

Steve Parker doubled the advantage before setting up Paul Brown for the third.

A Czech trialist grabbed the winner.

"We lost a tight game there last year," continued O'Reilly.

"So I think we've improved.

"We played two different sides in each half and we had a fair few missing so we're in good shape."

"Shaun Giraine had a good debut and if he keeps that up, he'll be a very good addition to the squad.

"Some of the other new lads also did well so it's been a big boost really considering we were worried about numbers at the start of the summer."

Crewe FC travel to Didsbury on Saturday while O'Reilly also hopes to arrange a mid-week friendly before the big kick-off at Club AZ on August 12.

"Didsbury are in the Manchester League and that's not a bad standard so it should be a good test for us," he added.

"We'll still take enough players to play two sides and hopefully we can get a mid-week game so everyone is ready for Saturday week."