CREWE FC went down fighting, 4-2 in their Mid Cheshire League Division One opener against Linotype.

Ian O'Reilly's boys were struggling to cope with their opponent's direct approach in the first-half and two goals either side of a dubious penalty saw Crewe 3-0 down at the break.

Vast improvement in the second half as Daniel Haythorn marked his league debut for the club with a bullet header that sparked a ferocious fightback.

Dave Hanson netted soon after to claw it back to 3-2 and Rob Shore was unlucky to see his effort crash against the post.

Salvaging a point looked on but the visitors got the benefit of a poor off-side decision and tucked the opportunity away to seal victory.

"It was a difficult match," admitted O'Reilly.

"Especially after the trouble at their place last season, I think we were a bit fearful.

"We couldn't cope in the first half but we played much better in the second.

"It was a poor off-side decision and we were right back in the game until that when our heads dropped."

"I think we let ourselves down really and the players know that.

"We'll be eager to put it right in the next game."

Crewe FC are at Rylands on Saturday and then entertain Bollington, next Wednesday night at 6.30pm.