Golborne Sports 1, Crewe FC 1

CREWE FC missed a chance to get right back in the hunt for the Division Two title on Saturday.

The side, struggling for form of late, put in an improved performance against Golborne, who were relegated with them last season.

But they failed to get a vital three points which could have made their glory bid much stronger, as other teams around them also failed to get maximum points.

Dave Hanson missed a first-half penalty but made up for it with a 25-yard screamer in the second-half. But the hosts hit back and the game ended in stalemate.

While Crewe still lie in second place, they look extremely vulnerable with other teams holding games in hand. They must surely beat rock-bottom Fearnhead on Saturday to stand any chance of going up.

Boss Ian O'Reilly said: 'We missed a chance. We did play better than last week, and would have been happy with a point in different circumstances, as Golborne are a good side. But we need wins to put pressure on the others.

'Dave was gutted to miss a penalty for the first time ever, but he will take the next one. The ball moved as

he was about the strike it and it flew wide. I'll back him.

'Now we have to take three points at Fearnhead. They turned us over earlier in the season and we can't afford that again. With other teams also floundering around us, we'll kick ourselves if we don't win our own games.'

Striker Jon Dawson put in 90 minutes for the first time in a couple of months, and was brought down for the spot-kick which Hanson missed.

Dawson also went close with a half-volley, but Hanson broke the deadlock after good work from Steve Parker.

Jimmy Costigan has switched to Whitchurch after being frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities, but Liam O'Reilly and Graham Taylor should be back in action on Saturday. nThe sportsman's dinner on Thursday, April 6, featuring legendary keeper Bruce Grobbelaar, organised by Crewe FC and Crewe CC, has been switched to The Palms, Stapeley Water Gardens due to high demand. For information on the 200-plus sell-out event, call 01270 568022 or 01270 663635.