CREWE Vagrants staged a second-half fight-back for respectability in a ten goal friendly at Deeside Ramblers.

Half time suggested a rout for the NHL Division One hosts but the 1st XI hit back in an entertaining 6-4 defeat, last Saturday.

Finishing third in the league above, Deeside showed superior class with an early lead on 7 minutes before neat passing saw them double it soon after.

Nick Marshall revived Crewe when he stabbed home the rebound from Andrew Ashworth's short corner to make it 2-1 but they were soon on the back foot once again.

Deeside pressed them back into their own half with good short passing and after another fruitless Crewe corner, they broke for 3-1 on 24 minutes.

Woes continued when Mark Bateman failed to convert another corner before Deeside extended their lead, slotting slickly past the prematurely committed keeper Ravi Kaler.

Gary Roberts saw a fierce response denied as Crewe went into the break on a first-half hiding.

With a promising move involving Jon Woodhart, Henry Weir and Roberts falling apart, things got worse when Kaler was rounded once again for 5-1.

Crewe rallied this time and Roberts hit the post before launching a serious comeback.

Dave Holland made sure they were finally successful from a corner when his shot went in off the keeper on 52 minutes.

James Capper, Ashworth and Roberts launched some lively attacks and the latter made it 5-3, finishing a fine one-two with Weir.

The provider grabbed number four with a high shot on the run but just when Crewe sensed an upset, Deeside broke and beat Kaler to seal victory.

Crewe take on Wrexham, this Saturday.