GOALKEEPER Steve Harding proved spot-on in a penalty shoot-out and earned his side a cup semi-final place on Saturday.

Harding (pictured) was the first to volunteer to take a spot-kick when his side's President's Cup quarter-final went to a shootout after neither Crewe nor Witton could add to the 1-1 scoreline in extra time.

The keeper, who had earlier kept his side in the match, pulling off two outstanding saves in the first half after Crewe had fallen behind, smashed home his penalty and saved two of Witton's to send them through.

Gareth Brookes missed his penalty but Nick Butterworth and Darren Vickers scored before Dave Hanson sparked wild celebrations with his clincher.

Crewe are still unbeaten in 2005.

Boss Ian O'Reilly said: 'You have to hand it to Steve really because his was the first hand up when I asked for volunteers and he put it away well.

'We had started slowly and fell behind, but got better as the match went on. Lee Westwood hit a cracking shot to get us level.

'It was fairly even and Witton are a good, young side. But I just felt we created the best chances. It was exciting and a nice feeling to go through on penalties because we have been on the losing side in a shoot-out before.'

Crewe hoped to take the game in extra time after Witton had a player sent off for retaliation near the end of 90 minutes at the Cumberland Arena.

But they failed to take advantage and had Liam O'Reilly and Daniel Athorn sent off for foul and abusive language in extra time, which was stupid.

The Crewe manger added: 'I felt we got stronger but I warned the lads that the referee might try to even things up after they had one sent off. But they ignored me and we went and got two dismissed ourselves.

'Even with nine men we created the better chances and I feel we probably deserved to go through. But the injuries and suspensions are mounting up and we have a tough period coming up.

'We play Daten at home on Saturday and it is a big game in the league for us. We are not in a good position but I still think it is in our hands and we can get ourselves out of trouble.'