CREWE continued their defence of the Crewe FA Cup with a 3-0 defeat of Alsager Faculty in Saturday's semi-final.

The students, flying high in the Crewe and District League, presented a tough test, but Ian O'Reilly's men came through with top marks.

Although the Mid-Cheshire Leaguers took a while to get going, Danny Massey put them ahead in the first half.

A fine goal by Dave Hanson doubled the lead after the break and 17-year-old Gary Gordon added the third after good work by fellow youngster Andy Gibbons and Lee Westwood to book Crewe's place in the final against Nantwich Town or Winnington Avenue, who play this Saturday. O'Reilly said: 'It was a good win because the Alsager team made it hard or us. They had a good go and were really up for the game.

'I think they were a credit to their league and you could see why they have been doing so well.

'We're unbeaten in six games now and I'm aiming to finish in the top half.

'It's a big task but we still have nine league games remaining and the first two of those are against the bottom two.

'There are still 20-odd points to play for and if we can get a top-half finish as well as reaching the Crewe Cup final, it won't have been a bad season.'

Crewe host Cheadle Heath Nomads on Saturday while the Reserves are at Daten.