HOCKEY: OFF-COLOUR Vagrants crashed to a second successive defeat and fell into the bottom four of the North League Division Two West on Saturday.
The key to victory for a fired-up Bolton side was accurate passing, rapid breakaways and sharp finishing.
The visitors stunned Crewe by going ahead with a well-taken effort after only two minutes.
Neil Darling had a chance to put Crewe on terms seven minutes later, but although he had plenty of time, he fired just wide.
In contrast to their opponents, Vagrants' passing was erratic and goalkeeper Ravi Kaler made two fine saves to prevent Bolton extending their advantage.
In a brief spell of pressure, Dave Holland fired across the face of goal but Bolton doubled their advantage just before the break.
Defender Simon Oakes could only parry a fierce shot from a short corner on the line and a Bolton attacker pounced to stab home the rebound.
The excellent Mark Ritchie helped Crewe soak up further pressure at the start of the second period.
Although Crewe produced a better display after the restart, too many promising moves came to nothing, although Chris Lawton and Graham Heath were both un-lucky to be denied.
Vagrants finally pulled a goal back 10 minutes from time when Holland slotted home a penalty stroke to set up a nailbiting finish.
But as Crewe committed players forward, Bolton won a short corner from a breakaway and a well-worked routine saw them restore their two-goal cushion - and there was no way back for Vagrants.
They will be looking to halt their slide when they travel to City of Manchester on Saturday (1.30pm).
Vagrants seconds were in better form against their Bolton counterparts, who have yet to win in 2003.
Rob Jepson and Andy Ticehurst both scored twice in a 5-2 win with Graham Cooke the other marksman.
The result helped Vagrants move up to fifth in Division Four of the North West League, ahead of this Saturday's home game against leaders Rhyl and District.
Vagrants thirds lost 2-1 to Chester fourths in their North West League Division Six South encounter.
Crewe Vagrants ladies' North Feeder League match at Bowdon was abandoned midway through the first half due to fog. They will be hoping for better weather when they make the trip to Dalston this Saturday.
