Crewe Reserves moved up to fifth place in Reserve Division 2 after a deserved 3-2 victory over Stranmillis at Crewe Park.
Crewe Reserves 3 Stranmillis Reserves 2
Crewe opened brightly with Gerdy Lynas returning from injury looking lively up front for Crewe. And it was after just five minutes Lynas opened his account with a cool finish as the early pressure told on the Stranmillis backline. Tucker Heaney should have added to the Crewe tally but fired over when well placed.
Crewe looked in total control and Lynas was on hand to add his second after twenty minutes after good work from McCrory and Mulligan in the Crewe midfield. However just before half time Stranmillis gave themselves a lifeline after a sweetly struck free kick nestled into the bottom of the home net.
Hlaf time: 2-1
The second half opend just as the first half did with Crewe dominating the play and looking dangerous. Mulligan hit the post for Crewe after a lovely move and he was unlucky after a crisp strike. Lynas completed his hatrick after 70 minutes with a good finish past the Stranmillis keeper.
The game looked to be over but Stanmillis again hit back with another free kick which set up a tense finish. In the last five minutes Stranmillis hit the post after the referee failed to give a clear offside but the home side escaped to take the three points they deserved from the game.
Full-time: 3-2
The First team had a free week.