Crewe Alex...1 Sheffield Utd...0

MATCH REPORT BY TOBY ROBINSON

KENNY Lunt capped off a battling Crewe performance with a fantastic finish to see off Sheffield United at the Alexandra Stadium on Tuesday night.

The midfield ace latched onto Rivers' through ball down the middle and blasted it into the back of the net for a decisive goal on 52 minutes.

But it was resolute defending throughout the 90 minutes that saw the Alex home to a second successive victory and a priceless three points.

Crewe were on the back foot early on as the Blades poured forward during the opening stages with Brown going close on 10 minutes and Santos only denied a one-on-one thanks to quick reactions from 'George' Bankole.

The Alex were struggling to find a way through the visitor's rearguard but enjoyed their first success on 15 minutes as Lunt carved them open down the left and put in a cross only inches short of Rivers burying it from close range.

Sheffield continued their assault with Santos their main threat throughout a purple patch though Hulse almost found a sucker punch on 33 minutes as he headed round keeper Tracey only to see his squared ball cut out by the rearguard.

Crewe survived several scares and almost snatched an interval lead as Hulse ended his right-sided run with a powerful drive that Tracey parried and then punched away from an advancing Little.

Again the Blades looked on top after the break only to be stunned by Lunt's blockbuster finish.

Corner after corner followed as United desperately tried to muster an equaliser but D'Jaffo and Santos failed to test Bankole from good opportunities.

The latter, already yellow carded, should have walked on 70 minutes after his elbow floored Gannon but referee Harris wilted despite furious protests from Walton and co.

Brown blazed a free chance over the bar as the Blades enjoyed an extended injury time but Crewe were not to be denied extending their recent points haul of 17 from a possible 24.

Victory lifts the Alex into 16th place and all importantly seven points clear of the danger zone.

Crewe: Bankole, Wright, Smith, Walton, Macauley, Gannon (Foster 86), Lunt (Charnock 86), Sorvel, Little, Hulse (Ashton 80), Rivers. Subs not used: Ince, Street. Attendance: 6,909.