CREWE FC kept their hopes of a top-five finish alive with a 3-1 win over Golborne Sports at the Cumberland Arena on Saturday.

A Danny Massey double and a goal from Liam O'Reilly helped Crewe put behind them the disappointment of being held at home against Styal the previous week.

'We were a lot better and I was able to enjoy the game this week,' said manager Ian O'Reilly.

'We didn't say a lot to the players before the game. I think they knew they had let themselves down against Styal and they put that right.'

Star man Massey put Crewe ahead in the 10th minute when he slotted home a Martin Caldwell cross.

O'Reilly's men were dealt a blow when striker Lee Westwood limped out of the action, but Massey's second goal from a well-taken free kick gave Crewe some breathing space.

Golborne pulled one back after the break but Liam O'Reilly, returning after suspension, eased any fears of a comeback when he curled in another free kick 20 minutes from time.

'I think a top-six finish is more realistic than the top five, but we still have plenty to play for going into the last week of April and that has to be a good sign,' said O'Reilly.

Crewe continue a busy week when they host Daten at the Cumberland Arena tonight, before visiting Whitchurch Alport in the first round of the Roger Haydock Trophy tomorrow (both 6.30pm).

They then visit Golborne Sports in the return fixture on Saturday.

Crewe FC received a delegation from the North West Counties League's ground grading department yesterday.