It had been a mixed start for The Motors under interim Joe Heath, following Mick McGraa’s move to Bootle. However, they beat Hednesford in their last time out as a late strike from Jordan Deer completed a great comeback.

Heath made some changes from that winning side, placing an emphasis on spreading minutes around the squad. Injured keeper Sam Booth stuck to the club’s commentating duties whilst his brother played between the sticks for the opposition.

Before the game started, there was a beautifully respected minutes silence for forward Michael Burkey’s dad who passed away last week. Rest in Peace Bernie, you will be missed.

The hosts started the game on the front foot as with a few minutes played, new striker Craig Curran placed the ball into the back of the net. However, he was ruled to be offside before Crewe grew into the tie.

The Alex’s period of pressure was rewarded when Max Woodcock smashed the ball past Ally Hughes on the tenth minute mark.

Captain Tom Mitchell put his clearence straight into the path of the goalscorer who was lurking inside the box.

It was quickly made evident that Crewe had a talent in 22-year-old winger Aaron Rowe, he used his pace to bring Motors players out of the game and would soon double his side’s lead from a great counter attack, finding space on the left hand side before slotting his shot away.

It was very nearly made three when Crewe’s frontman closed down Hughes, the keeper kicked against the attacker but the ball went sideways.

As the first half ticked away, Heath’s side were remaining resilient, continuing to create opportunities of their own as midfielder Sean Moscrop saw his effort blocked for a corner.

However, they would go into the break 2-0 down before making a couple of changes that saw Ben Holmes and Conor Harwood come on for Lewis Buckley and Joe Brandon.

Crewe came out firing and would hit the post early on when the hosts decided to play out quickly but lost possesion to Allport. After smashing against the post, the ball was cleared out to safety.

There was very little that happened in the second half though really, frustrating for the hosts who were looking for a way back into the game.

Heath’s side had a free kick whipped into the box late on but it was dealt with well before being claimed by Booth.

Whilst Crewe can start planning for the second round of the competition, Vauxhall’s attention will turn to Saturday’s away league visit to Runcorn Linnets.