CREWE FC are bidding to get on a winning run tonight after stopping the rot to pick up a vital three points on Saturday.

The Cumberland Arena outfit were desperate to end a shocking sequence of eight league defeats and ensure they did not tumble further towards the Division Two drop zone.

Rock-bottom Congleton seemed to provide the perfect opportunity to do that but, with a new manager and several new signings, there were a tough proposition.

However, Crewe held their nerve after falling behind early-on to gain maximum points and provide a platform to build on. They travel to play Malpas tonight (6.30pm).

Boss Ian O'Reilly said: 'I said there were signs of improvement last week, and that carried on again.

'It wasn't an easy game because Congleton have a lot of new, young, enthusiastic players and fresh ideas, and made life very hard for us.

'I feared the worst when we went one down, but we settled and played some decent stuff. We now have three tough away games in seven days starting on Wednesday. But we can go in to them with confidence. I think we are safe.'

Crewe had a new look defence, with 25-year-old Shaun Murray brought in at centre-half alongside striker-turned defender Gary Gordon.

But sloppy defending saw Crewe fall a goal behind in the early stages. But the defensive duo made amends by grabbing a goal each, either side of the break.

Gordon powered a header home after a Liam O'Reilly free kick before the interval, and Murray rammed in after Danny Brazendale had flicked on an O'Reilly corner on 64 minutes.

Top scorer Dave Hanson made it 3-1 with a 25-yard scorcher five minutes later, but the visitors relaxed and allowed the hosts to pull one back, on 78 minutes.

PJ Hudson danced past three men before squaring to Hanson. His shot was well-saved, but Richard Ingemann missed a glorious chance to make it safe by missing the target on the rebound. But Crewe held on.

Meanwhile, Crewe FC Reserves boss Tony Fraser feels his side has enjoyed a successful season.

He watched his men beat Sandbach United Reserves 3-1 in a friendly on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Adam Landstrom (2) and Paul Jones.

They are heading for a top-four finish in the Crewe and District Premier Division, and Fraser believes some players are developing well.

He said: 'We try to do well in our league as well as bring players through for the first team. We're not doing badly in both departments. Adam Socha has already made the step up, and Danny Rodgers and Ian Carr are ready.'