CREWE FC manager Ian O'Reilly believes Saturday's goalless draw with Knutsford was a marker of the team's progress.
Although disappointed his team could not conjure the goal to give them victory, he feels Crewe have now established themselves as a Mid-Cheshire League club.
'Over the years Knutsford have tended to give us a good tanking, so it was good to get a draw even though I thought we edged the chances.
'I can remember being beaten 6-0 by them a couple of years ago, but now I don't think we're far off being a good side.'
Dave Hanson missed a couple of gilt-edged chances while Crewe keeper Steve Harding was a virtual spectator.
'It was a bit of a drab game but we haven't kept many clean sheets so, overall, I was pleased but I still think these are the kind of games we can win.
'We now need to take the next step of becoming a top-four or five team.'
Crewe visit Daten this Saturday. Crewe's young reserve team moved up to fourth spot after a Pete Robinson hat-trick inspired them to an excellent 4-2 win at Rylands.
Youth development director Paul Lowe said: 'It took us some time to make the transition from youth to open-age football but we are playing well.'
The second string host Pilkingtons on Saturday (2.30pm).
O'Reilly said: 'I'm delighted for Paul and Martin (reserve bosses) who have done a terrific job. There's plenty of banter flying about now and I think I will have to keep an eye on my job!' Crewe have struck a sponsorship deal with Oldham firm Vulcan Ltd which will see injury treatment bags and a supply if bandages, ice packs and treatment rubs distributed to every team within the club.
Soccer School director Steve Lloyd said: 'Vulcan's managing director Paul Kinsella told us he was impressed by the standards throughout the club and was happy to be associated with us.'
