Crewe Alex...1 Sheffield Wednesday...0

A SENSATIONAL Mark Rivers volley gave Crewe a memorable victory over struggling Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

On-loan Chris Lumsdon completed a good afternoon's work with a precision ball from the left which Jack headed on for Rivo who made no mistakes.

That strike, eight minutes from time, earned the Alex a valuable three points which they had threatened to throw away.

The home side made all the early running with Rodney Jack looking lively, firing a Shaun Smith corner wide on eight minutes before repeating the act from a nice cut back from Rivers.

It was red domination at this point as Pressman was extended by a long range effort from Rivo on 16 minutes and Lumsdon came close on two occasions.

Danger flashed when Efan Ekoku led the Owl's best break on 23 minutes and the big hitman should have opened their account six minutes from half time but headed Cooke's looping cross past the upright from close range.

Crewe ended an excellent half with some classy football and opportunities thanks to David Wright.

His blistering right sided runs firstly found Cramb who teed-up Lumsdon to force Pressman into action on 43 minutes.

The keeper did well to smother his second wicked cross which had both Alex forwards ready to pounce.

After failing to establish an advantage despite running proceedings, Crewe gradually began to lose control.

Wednesday enjoyed a purple patch around the hour mark with Ekoku, Booth and Quinn providing Kearton with a string of comfortable saves but it looked as though the tide was turning.

Crewe survived a penalty appeal as their on-song defence kept Wednesday at bay before Rivers made the vital breakthrough.

Hulse replaced Cramb soon after and the Scot enjoyed some thunderous applause after a workmanlike display.

Kearton made sure of the points with a comfortable save from Cooke's pinpoint free kick.

A fine performance was saluted by the ecstatic home supporters who went away to celebrate a victory that demonstrates just how much progress this club has made in a decade.

Crewe: Kearton, Wright, Smith, Foster (Walker 75), Sodje, Lunt, Sorvel, Lumsdon, Jack, Cramb (Hulse 83), Rivers.

Subs not used: Bankole, Little, Street.

Attendance: 7,103