CREWE.....2 GRIMBSY.....0
RODNEY Jack delivered the goods and capped a classy performance with a second-half strike to seal Crewe's first victory of the season on Tuesday night.
An excellent pullback from David Wright picked out the St Vincent livewire in acres of space and he finished in style to end Grimsby's hopes after 75 minutes.
Crewe had started what was already an important night at the Alexandra Stadium in fine fashion with Hulse and Rivers causing the Mariners' defence huge problems with some surging runs.
There was a worry that they might fail to make the most of their possession but that all important first league goal this season came on 14 minutes.
Hulse's shot from a tight right angle beat everyone and as the ball slowly trickled towards the line, Rivers made sure by blasting it home.
Jack and Hulse continued to create some excellent work but as Livingstone fired well over after 20 minutes, Grimsby began to get back into the game.
Crewe sat back far too much as the visitors enjoyed more of the ball with Livingstone and Allen spurning opportunities.
With ten minutes to go the Alex revived themselves and Hulse began to impose himself with a drive over the bar and heading Lunt's accurate pass just wide.
Jack ended the half doing what he does best - skinning players! A fantastic right run past several black and white shirts ended with a rasping shot that travelled a fraction past the far post.
After the break Grimsby enjoyed a much more productive half but lacked any potency in their attack.
Jeffrey sent his header just wide three minutes after the whistle and a number of corners followed but Crewe weathered the storm quite comfortably.
The Mariners were always wary of Jack down the right as he constantly ripped Livingstone apart at the back and it was Rodney who got his just reward with 15 minutes left.
Livingstone looked a tired man towards the end as Jack began to go on the rampage with several displays of ball skills and he nearly produced a third goal, picking out Rivers at the far post who couldn't quite get the footing to apply the finish.
Crewe cruised home to lift themselves to 17th place in the table ahead of a blank Saturday.
Crewe: Kearton, Wright, Smith, Macauley, Sodje, Lunt, Street, Sorvel, Rivers, Hulse (Grant 78), Jack. Subs not used: Bankole, Little, Foster, Liddle.
Attendance: 5,305.
Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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